Emergency curfew in Sumter as protests continue across South Carolina, mayor says
An emergency curfew was issued in the City of Sumter on Wednesday.
The curfew will begin at 6 p.m. and be enforced through 6 a.m. the following morning, city officials said in a news release. The curfew will continue the following days, until further notice is given.
The purpose of the curfew is to ease tensions associated with ongoing peaceful protests, according to the release. Officials said the curfew will create better protection for private and public property.
“The City of Sumter stands with our nation in solidarity against what we have seen in Minneapolis. We support everyone’s First Amendment right to free speech and will protect those exercising their liberties lawfully,” Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen said in the release. “However, the unlawful acts by criminals who prey on opportunities presented by peaceful protest will not be tolerated.”
There have been protests across the U.S. in response to the death of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis on May 25 while in police custody. Floyd’s death has sparked national outrage since a video showed a police officer kneeling on his neck before he died.
That includes three consecutive days of protests in Columbia, where property was damaged, cars burned, and at least 55 people arrested. Law enforcement officers have used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up crowds and enforce emergency curfews from Saturday through Monday.
There have been peaceful protests in Sumter since Saturday, in addition to groups who have gotten into verbal confrontations with police, the Sumter Item reported.
There have been fires reported in Sumter County — at a restaurant and a former sheriff’s office station — that are being investigated by law enforcement. The sheriff’s office said there is no indication they were part of the protests.
Local businesses must also be closed during the curfew, according to the release. The businesses are being temporarily shuttered for the protection of their employees.
“Please remain at home during the curfew hours,” officials said.
Law enforcement, fire, EMS, active duty military, health care providers and professionals, public works and utility workers and people traveling to and from work or seeking emergency care are exempt from the curfew, according to the release.
“We know our citizens will abide by this curfew and closing early will allow our police department to deal with those who violate the laws,” McElveen said.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is asked to call police at 803-436-2700, and only use 911 for emergencies.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 1:54 PM.
