Today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio announced a citywide curfew in New York City that will begin tonight at 11 PM and end at 5 AM tomorrow. [Update: On June 2nd, de Blasio has extended the curfew for the rest of the week from 8 PM to 5 AM]. As indicated in a press release from the governor, the action will also include a doubling of the police presence “to help prevent violence and property damage. The additional officers will be deployed to areas where violence and property damage occurred during last night’s protests – specifically in lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.”
As of yesterday de Blasio said there was “no plan for a curfew” but the events of last night appear to have shifted that: “I support and protect peaceful protest in this city. The demonstrations we’ve seen have been generally peaceful. We can’t let violence undermine the message of this moment. It is too important and the message must be heard. Tonight, to protect against violence and property damage, the Governor and I have decided to implement a citywide curfew,” said the Mayor, “The Police Commissioner and I have spoken at length about the incidents we’ve all seen in recent days where officers didn’t uphold the values of this city or the NYPD. We agree on the need for swift action. He will speak later today on how officers will be held accountable.”
“I stand behind the protestors and their message, but unfortunately there are people who are looking to distract and discredit this moment,” Governor Cuomo said. “The violence and the looting has been bad for the city, the state and this entire national movement, undermining and distracting from this righteous cause. While we encourage people to protest peacefully and make their voices heard, the safety of the general public is paramount and cannot be compromised. Tonight the Mayor and I are implementing a citywide curfew starting at 11 PM and doubling the NYPD presence across the city.”
Next, see more photos of this weekend’s demonstrations for George Floyd in NYC.