State Of Emergency Declared In Birmingham, City Under Curfew

BIRMINGHAM, AL — After peaceful protests turned to dangerous riots Sunday in Birmingham, Mayor Randall Woodfin has declared a state of emergency in the city. Birmingham Fire & Rescue responded to more than 20 fires in the area Sunday night.

Woodfin addressed the city Monday morning along with Birmingham fire chief Cory Moon and Birmingham police chief Patrick Smith.

Woodfin announced that beginning June 1, the city will be under a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day until further notice. The restrictions include limited travel on city streets and businesses must provide legitimate documentation that allows employees to work during curfew hours.

Related Story: Vandalism, Looting Result From Protests In Birmingham

Moon said the department responded to 22 fires, including five commercial fires, three house fires, several car and trash fires. As well, 25 arrests were made in the city in relation to the protests.

"Here in Birmingham we saw some of the best the city has to offer when we stand in unity and when we lock arms in solidarity, but what started out with the best intentions turned into something none of us deserve," Woodfin said. "No one deserves it, not the people in the media who were physically hurt. No one deserved it in the city we call home, Birmingham."

Woodfin said he understands the anger and sadness people feel regarding the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, but he does not support the manner of protest that occurred late Sunday night.

"I support activism and civil disobedience, but I don’t support mobs," Woodfin said.

Woodfin also referenced his promise to protesters in Linn Park regarding the removal of a Confederate monument protesters who trying to take down Sunday night.

"We need to remove the Confederate Monument at Linn Park to prevent additional violent civil unrest, and the city is willing to accept any civil judgement consequence such an action will bring," Woodfin said.