As many as 40 cities in the US including Washington DC have imposed curfews in response to the continuing protests against the death of African-American man George Floyd in police custody.
According to the sources, 40 cities have imposed curfews and approximately 5,000 National Guard members have been activated in 15 states and Washington, DC.
“Today, about 5,000 National Guard Soldiers & Airmen are supporting our local & state partners responding to civil unrest in 15 states & D.C. Thousands more stand ready if needed,” Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Joseph Lengyel said on Sunday.
President Trump earlier said, “The death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis was a grave tragedy. It should never have happened. It has filled Americans all over the country with horror, anger, and grief.”
“My Administration will always stand against violence, mayhem, and disorder. We will stand with the family of George Floyd, with the peaceful protestors, and with every law-abiding citizen who wants decency, civility, safety, and security,” he had said.
Washington’s mayor Muriel Bowser issued a curfew order from 11:00 pm until 6:00 am.
“For the District of Columbia, @MayorBowser has ordered a citywide curfew that began at 11pm this evening and will end at 6am on Monday, June 1. Please adhere to the curfew at this time. Credentialed media are exempt and may continue to cover events in the city,” she tweeted.
Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz has extended the curfew until Monday. The curfew was imposed on Friday in response to violent protests in Minneapolis and its nearby cities, following the death of George Floyd in police custody.
President Trump has called for ‘law and order’ as protests raged nationwide.
“Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors. These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO!!!” Trump said.
“Other Democrat run Cities and States should look at the total shutdown of Radical Left Anarchists in Minneapolis last night. The National Guard did a great job, and should be used in other States before it is too late!” he added.
