CINCINNATI -- With the murder trial of former University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing well underway, Black Lives Matter and other groups are mobilizing nationwide in anticipation of a verdict.
One such group, Cincinnati's own The Amos Group, a network of church congregations committed to promoting social justice, has been one of the most active groups since Tensing's trial began last week. The group organized the "Jericho March" on Nov. 2, the second day of proceedings:
The Amos Group has issued a call for a national presence of demonstrators outside the Hamilton County Courthouse as the trial continues.
"I believe that we have to be out there and be present," said Troy Jackson, with the Amos Group. "I am a big believer in nonviolence and nonviolent resistance."
Jackson said he believes there is no justice without a conviction in Tensing's case.
"The evidence seems pretty clear here about what happened that fateful night in July of 2015," he said. "And we want justice served."
But Jackson was also sure to emphasize his desire to help prevent any violence outside the courthouse or elsewhere, no matter the verdict.
"What I'm concerned about is when a verdict happens here in Cincinnati that people of faith show up and be present and be prayerful," he said. "I think that kind of presence is going to be vital in terms of the kind of protest and kind of response that we have."
There was no word Monday on how many people have signed up to demonstrate outside the courthouse the day the jury reaches its verdict.
Tensing is charged with murder and aggravated manslaughter in the July 19, 2015 traffic stop shooting death of Sam DuBose in Mt. Auburn. DuBose was shot in the head and died at the scene.
