Curfew Set In Riverside County, Despite Peaceful Protests

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Despite a weekend of peaceful protests in Riverside County, a local emergency has been proclaimed and a countywide curfew is in place Monday from 6 p.m. to Tuesday at 6 a.m., it was announced.

The order was signed by County Executive Officer and Director of Emergency Services George Johnson, in coordination with law enforcement officials, and applies to all cities and unincorporated areas.

"The curfew is in response to several areas of rioting and looting in Southern California over the weekend, as well as planned protests set to occur today in Riverside County," according to a news brief from the county.

Demonstrations across the region have denounced police brutality in the wake of George Floyd's death, whose police custody death in Minneapolis on Memorial Day has sparked civil unrest nationwide and protests around the globe.

Weekend demonstrations took place across Riverside County, but the sheriff's department had no reports of looting or property damage, according to Sgt. Deanna Pecoraro.

Although Johnson said the community must be able to peacefully assemble and exercise its first amendment rights, vigils and peaceful protests that were planned Monday evening after work have been stifled under the order.

“We must also take action to protect our community from threats of rioting and chaos. If you plan to visit a protest today, we urge you to do so peacefully and return home at the time of the curfew,” he said.

The curfew does not apply to residents who must leave their homes to attend essential work or business after 6 p.m., according to the news briefing.

"The curfew is intended to prevent any potential acts of destruction and violence at protest sites. Law enforcement will continue to serve the community by conducting patrols and responding to calls for service," the news briefing read.

Over the weekend, eight people were arrested during demonstrations by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Most of the arrests were in Temecula. There were no reports of property damage by the department. Read more: Peaceful Protests In Riverside County: Arrests, Photos, Updates

Public health officials are reminding the community that while gathering for peaceful protests, demonstrators should wear a face covering and maintain six feet between others to thwart the spread of coronavirus.