Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Cleveland Shootout Sparks Three Days of Rioting

7/23/2025

29 5

Summary

Story summary

On July 23-24, 1968, a violent shootout erupted in Cleveland, Ohio, between the Cleveland Police and the Black Nationalists of New Libya, a Black Power group. The four-hour exchange resulted in the deaths of three policemen, three suspects, and a bystander, with at least 15 others injured, igniting three days of rioting in the city.

1 of 1

Story summary

On July 23-24, 1968, a violent shootout erupted in Cleveland, Ohio, between the Cleveland Police and the Black Nationalists of New Libya, a Black Power group. The four-hour exchange resulted in the deaths of three policemen, three suspects, and a bystander, with at least 15 others injured, igniting three days of rioting in the city.