From the Past: Victim's mother, others call for violence to end

This story was originally posted on April 10, 2011: Several community leaders and members are urging the protesters to stop the violence.

Angela Leisure, Thomas's mother, urged the public to end the violent protests of her son's death.

Leisure, who went on a local radio program Tuesday afternoon, said angry citizens should have non-violent protests if they are moved to protest.

Leisure was at Monday's Cincinnati city council session, but otherwise has not granted other interviews while she is arranging for her son's funeral.

Ken Lawson, Leisure's lawyer, told 9New his client doesn't want any more violence.

"She's angry at the lack of response from the city and its police division, however, we don't want to see any young black folks getting hurt. That's our main concern. That's what brought us here anyway, is we're tired of seeing black men getting killed by the police. We're tired of seeing blacks get hurt by the police," Lawson said.

Michael Coleman, whose son was also killed by Cincinnati police, also asked the public for restraint in the matter.

The leader of the Black United Front is also calling for a peaceful approach.

Reverend Damon Lynch invited about 100 people to his church Tuesday night.

People poured into the New Prospect Baptist Church on Elm Street to talk about peaceful solutions.

Reverend Lynch told 9 News the civil unrest is the outgrowth of something that has been brewing for years.

"Our job is to go out and quell it and talk to the people out there and explain to them that violence is not the answer even understanding their pain, that violence is not the answer," Lynch said.