Salt Lake Issues Week-Long Curfew For Overnight Hours
Jun 1, 2020, 5:43 PM | Updated: 8:47 pm
Vandalism can be seen on the grounds at the Utah State Capitol Building the morning after protests in downtown Salt Lake on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Garna Mejia, KSL TV)
(Garna Mejia, KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A week-long nighttime curfew has been announced for Salt Lake City to begin Monday night, and last through Monday, June 8.
The curfew will begin at 8 p.m. each night and last through 6 a.m. the following morning.
The curfew was announced Monday around 5:30 p.m. A curfew had already been enacted from Saturday evening to Monday morning in an effort to minimize the damage from a weekend protest that turned violent.
Public buildings in downtown Salt Lake suffered graffiti and broken windows, from 400 South 200 East to the Utah State Capitol Building.
Tonight I am issuing a curfew for Salt Lake City that will extend from 8 p.m. each night until 6 a.m. each morning through June 8. The decision to continue a curfew here in Salt Lake City was not made lightly. #slc #utpol https://t.co/vx8N1ltWh9
— SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) June 2, 2020
Damage was done to the roadway after some protesters flipped two vehicles over and lit them on fire. One of those was a patrol car for the Salt Lake City Police Department. The other belonged to a man seen on video wielding a bow and arrow, and pointing it at demonstrators.
Crews began clean-up efforts late Saturday night and into Sunday morning. Hundreds of volunteers went out on their own to help public works crews with the effort.
Dozens of people were arrested and 21 officers were injured.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall said they wanted to avoid more damages and more injuries.
“As we’ve seen throughout the country, the valid frustration many people feel continues to exhibit itself beyond the bounds of peaceful discourse,” Mayor Mendenhall said. “While Salt Lake City respects and understands the anger people legitimately feel, and welcomes the presence of peaceful protests, the safety of our city, our public safety officers, and our residents must come first.”
The week-long overnight curfew was scheduled to begin Monday, June 1 at 8 p.m., and last through Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. Another week-long curfew may be issued again if necessary, officials said.
People have been asked to stay off the public roads and sidewalks, and avoid going to other public places.
Officials said the mayor and police Chief Mike Brown decided to issue the curfew after consulting with Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
