Overnight Curfews In Place In Cranston, Providence, Warwick

CRANSTON, RI — Three Rhode Island cities have overnight curfews in place Tuesday following a night of violence in Providence that led to the arrest of dozens of people. The mayors of Cranston, Warwick and Providence announced the measures Tuesday. Providence will have a curfew in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., while Cranston's will last from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Warwick's will be in place from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.

"This is not a decision we take lightly, this is not a decision we make easily," Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said.

The decision came following patterns of peaceful protests during the day followed by violent demonstrations at night, Elorza said, reiterating that the city is not looking to stop peaceful gatherings, only protect the people and businesses of Providence.

Providence's curfew will be in place for seven days, Elorza said. If the city wishes to extend it beyond then, the City Council will need to vote.

Certain people are exempt from the order. These include:

• People going to or coming from work or church
• Medical or hospital workers
• Emergency responders, including police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians
• Members of the press
• U.S. government, city and state employees
• Anyone in need of emergency services
• Private emergency medical transport workers

The full executive order is available on Cranston's website.

Garden City Center announced that, out of an abundance of caution, all stores will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Similarly, the Warwick Mall closed its doors at 3 p.m.

The curfew comes after a night of violence in Providence that started at the Providence Place mall and spread throughout downtown, culminating in the arrest of approximately 70 people.

"What happened last night was not a group of protesters who go out of control and got violent," Gov. Gina Raimondo said. "This is an organized effort."

The governor told Rhode Islanders that she and other state leaders are doing everything they can to keep the state safe Tuesday night and beyond.

"If you're at home, and you live in Cranston, Johnston, Warwick, whatever, and you say 'I am afraid.' I don't want you to be afraid," she said.

READ MORE: Raimondo: Providence Violence Not 'Who We Are As Rhode Islanders'