Los Angeles
Mayor Karen Bass implemented a mandatory curfew in certain areas of the city, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, which is expected to remain in place for several days.
The curfew comes five days after Democratic leaders continued to declare the protests across Los Angeles were peaceful, despite images being broadcast around the world showing cars getting torched and law enforcement officials getting assaulted.
“I think that if you drive through downtown LA, the graffiti is everywhere and has caused significant damages to businesses and a number of properties,” Bass said on Tuesday night. “So, my message to you is if you do not live or work in downtown L.A., avoid the area. Law enforcement will arrest individuals who break the curfew, and you will be prosecuted.
Bass told reporters a curfew had been considered for several days, but after 23 businesses were looted and destroyed on Monday night, the mayor decided to implement the curfew.
“The curfew will be in place tonight from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.,” she said, referring to local times. Bass added that Californians can expect it to last for several days. “The curfew will be the curfew area will be between the 5 freeway and to the 110, and the 10 freeway, to where the 110 freeway and 5 freeway merges.”
Bass also said everyone must abide by the curfew, though limited exceptions will apply for residents, people traveling to and from work, and credentialed media representatives.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said on Tuesday, his department made 197 arrests, with 130 of those occurring near Commercial and Alameda, and the other 67 occurring after protesters occupied the 101 freeway.
“Let me be clear that this behavior of blocking freeways, city streets and on ramps, refusing to comply with lawful dispersal orders and interfering with public safety operations is dangerous…unlawful and won’t be tolerated,” McDonnell said. “If you are in the curfew zone during the restricted hours without that legal exemption, you will be arrested. If you assault an officer in any fashion, you will be arrested.”
Source: Fox News