Columbus Implements Safety Measures and Grants Funds to Combat Violence in Short North

Columbus city leaders are asking Short North businesses to shut down voluntarily at midnight for the upcoming weekend as one of several enhanced safety measures being introduced in response to two consecutive weekends with shootings in the popular arts district. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said the request is that businesses will shut down Friday night at midnight and continue to close at that time Saturday and Sunday night. He said the request will likely remain in place "as long as it takes" to reduce the violence in the neighborhood.