LA Mayor Karen Bass Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON
A curfew for certain parts of downtown Los Angeles will be enacted tonight following days of protests that have, at times, turned violent.
At a news conference, LA Mayor Karen Bass said she was seeking guidance on how long the curfew should be in place but said it will likely be in effect for a few days.
"I will consult with elected leaders and law enforcement officials tomorrow on the continuation of the curfew but we certainly expect for it to last for several days," Bass said.
The area of downtown Los Angeles where the curfew will take place is 1 square mile. The total area of the city is 502 square miles, she noted.
The curfew will be in effect from 8 pm Tuesday to 6 am Wednesday.
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Anyone not deemed exempt who is within the designated curfew area will be "subject to arrest," according to LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell.
"The curfew is a necessary measure to protect lives and safeguard property following several consecutive days of growing unrest throughout the city," McDonnell said.
Who is exempt from the curfew?
- Residents within the designated area
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Credentialed media
- Public safety and emergency personnel
Protest arrests significantly increased over the course of a few days, McDonnell said.
On Saturday, 27 people were arrested. Forty were arrested on Sunday and 114 people were arrested Monday. Authorities took 197 people into custody on Tuesday.
"Following several consecutive days of growing unrest throughout the city since Saturday, we've seen a concerning escalation and unlawful and dangerous behavior," McDonnell said.
He broke down Tuesday arrests by location, indicating that 67 people were taken into custody after "unlawfully occupying" the 101 Freeway.
"Let me be clear that this behavior, 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.
- CNN
