Denver Extends Curfew Amid George Floyd Death Protests

DENVER, CO — Denver's curfew has been extended amid ongoing protests against the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. Mayor Michael Hancock announced the extension, which will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.

Hundreds of protesters ignored the curfew Saturday and Sunday night in Denver and clashed with police.

Many protesters were seen throwing Molotov cocktails, fireworks and rocks at city buildings and officers over the past four days. Police have confiscated assault rifles, handguns, crow bars, baseball bats and other weapons, the city said.

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Windows have been broken on many public and private buildings, which have also been covered in graffiti. Business owners were seen trying to protect their stores after windows were broken Sunday night.

An FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has been deployed to Denver to charge those who violate federal law.

“We’re determined to continue to support peaceful demonstrations so people’s calls for change and justice can be heard,” Hancock said during a news conference Sunday. “But if anyone attempts to hijack these protests to incite violence and vandalism, we will do everything we can to stop it.”

Between Thursday night and Monday morning, at least 284 people have been arrested amid the protests, the city said. In addition to curfew violation charges, many protesters face assault, arson, felony weapons and criminal mischief charges.

More than 400 volunteers were working to clean up Civic Center Park Monday after the protests became violent and destructive over the weekend.