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Police, National Guard enforcing curfew
Police, National Guard enforcing curfew
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced a 9 p.m. curfew for the City of Milwaukee on Saturday, May 30 -- a decision made after overnight unrest caused damage to buildings across the city, disrupting otherwise peaceful protests held throughout the city on Friday in response to the death of George Floyd.
The curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday, May 31.
In a declaration, Barrett stated:
Milwaukee police said they will enforce the curfew and requested voluntary compliance. Police said those found in violation of the curfew will be arrested and fined $691.
A mandatory curfew was also issued in the City of Glendale beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday evening through 8 a.m. Sunday, and again from 9 p.m. Sunday evening through 8 a.m. Monday.
A citywide curfew was also issued in the City of Wauwatosa beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, ending at 7 a.m. on Sunday. The city also issued a curfew from 9 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday. The Wauwatosa Police Department will be enforcing this curfew.
The Village of Shorewood issued a curfew starting at 11 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday, May 31. The Village said all businesses that are normally open during that time should close to the public.
Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales
Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said in a news conference Saturday that at least 16 businesses were looted Friday night into Saturday, and some were set on fire when events turned violent around 11:30 p.m. on Friday. More than 50 people were arrested.
A Milwaukee police officer was struck by gunfire around 3:30 a.m. Saturday as unrest unfolded near 2nd Street and Locust Street. Morales said that the officer is expected to be OK.
The Wisconsin National Guard has been called to Milwaukee Saturday to assist local law enforcement in response to "agitators" that disrupted otherwise peaceful protests, Gov. Tony Evers announced on Saturday.
The assistance comes at the request of Morales, Barrett, Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
"The role the National Guard will play is not to be patrolling the streets. What they can do is help protect valuable institutions, cultural institutions, child care centers, churches and fire houses," Barrett said.
George Floyd (L) and Derek Chauvin (R)(Background Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Demonstrators have clashed with police after the officer-involved death of Floyd in Minneapolis. Cellphone video captured a police officer -- since identified as Derek Chauvin -- with his knee to Floyd's neck.
Barrett said he also is angry about Floyd's death in Minneapolis.
"I believe we witnessed a murder," Barrett said. "America witnessed a murder. It was shocking. It was indefensible, and it was immoral."
The governor authorized 125 members of the National Guard's Quick Reaction Force to be immediately used by local law enforcement in response to the agitators. Guard members may not be used to impede the ability of people's peaceful protests or interfere with the media’s ability to report on these activities.
"Some people are going to say, 'We don't want the National Guard here,'" said Barrett. "But we know there are others who are going to say, 'We cannot lose our city.'"
Officials are not sure how long the National Guard's support will last.
Statement of United States Attorney Matthew Krueger:
Gov. Evers and Barrett issued the following statement:
Statement from Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas:
Statement from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley:
Statement from ACLU of Wisconsin:
Statement from Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson:
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