Curfew Issued In Cleveland Amid Protests, Riots

CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland has implemented a curfew, effective immediately. The curfew will remain in place from 8 p.m. Saturday evening through 8 a.m. Sunday morning.

Cleveland police said violence and unrest begun during protests over the death of George Floyd prompted the curfew. The curfew is in place for the downtown and central business district neighborhoods.

"Anyone downtown at this time is ordered to exit the area immediately and after 8:00 those violating the order are subject to arrest," Cleveland police said on Twitter.

Cleveland city officials said the curfew was a response to "unlawful" protests and rioting.

"This is not an acceptable form of protesting. This is violent criminal activity," Cleveland City Hall said on Twitter.

Protests have broken out across the U.S. and throughout Ohio following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Peaceful protests in Cleveland and Columbus have turned to rioting and destruction of property.

Columbus implemented a curfew, which will be in place from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Mayor Andrew Ginther announced. Cleveland police asked Northeast Ohioans to avoid downtown and then implemented their own curfew.

The Ohio National Guard has been activated and is being tasked with aiding law enforcement in dispersing protesters and rioters throughout Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced.