Breaking: Youngstown Imposes 8:30 p.m. Curfew
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The city of Youngstown has imposed an 8:30 p.m. curfew effect tonight. The emergency declaration was issued by Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and distributed to the press at 7:55 p.m.
“The need for this order arises from destruction and violence in areas of the city, the threat of continued and escalating violence; the need for security and enforcement support for the Youngstown Police Department; and the need to protect the city’s first responders and citizens from further violence,” Brown stated in his order. “Individuals are prohibited from appearing in public spaces during the periods of the curfew.”
Bown cited power vested in his office according to Section 509.11 of the Youngstown City Charter.
“I order the closing of all businesses and close all city streets to motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic except for emergency vehicles. This order shall remain in effect for 12 hours, unless canceled earlier,” the mayor said.
Earlier Sunday the cities of Campbell and Struthers declared an emergency and separately imposed curfews effective at 9 p.m.
Meanwhile, Youngstown State University urged students and residents to avoid the campus area, Walmart stores in Boardman and Liberty closed mid-afternoon as did the Shops at Boardman Park.
A peaceful protest earlier Sunday in downtown Youngstown ended without incident. But a group of protesters lingered and continued the demonstration by walking throughout the downtown.
At one point windows were broken at the Choffin Career & Technical Center and the United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley. A city police cruiser was also vandalized.
Pictured at top: Peaceful protest at midday Sunday in downtown Youngstown.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.