Providence Lifts Overnight Curfew

PROVIDENCE, RI — The overnight curfew put in place following a night of violence in Providence has been lifted. Mayor Jorge Elorza announced the change following a day of peaceful protests in the city and across Rhode Island.

"Yesterday, we came together as one city and as one voice to say loud and clear that Black Lives Matter," Elorza said in a statement. "I want to thank everyone for a peaceful night and for showing this country what unity and strength looks like. May we build off of that sense of community that we all felt and work together to end institutional racism in our community."

Elorza announced the curfew Tuesday afternoon after hundreds of people gathered at the Providence Place Mall, breaking windows, looting stores and burning vehicles throughout downtown. The initial order was put in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for seven days. Several other communities, including Coventry, Woonsocket and Cranston announced similar measures.

Another large, peaceful protest was held at the State House Friday night. Tensions rose after the sun went down, and Gov. Raimondo herself, who said she was not planning to attend the gathering, called for the crowd to remain peaceful.

Large crowds are still discouraged due to the coronavirus pandemic. For this reason, Elorza called for all protest attendees to use caution.

"We know that the threat of COVID-19 is not behind us and strongly recommend that attendees of last night's gatherings closely monitor themselves for any symptoms," he said. "If you feel sick, please get tested, so we continue to see improvements in health outcomes statewide."

Read more:

• 'Keep It Peaceful Tonight,' Raimondo Pleads To Protesters
• Cranston Mayor Reinstates Overnight Curfew
  
• Rhode Island Works To Make Protests Safer From Coronavirus
  
• Opinion: When Will They Ever Learn?
  
• After A High-Tension Night In Rhode Island, 'A Better Morning'
  
• 'A Sad Day For Downtown': Providence Cleans Up Following Violence
  
• RI Leaders Say Protest-Related Coronavirus Spike Possible
  
• Raimondo: Providence Violence Not 'Who We Are As Rhode Islanders'
  
• Overnight Curfews In Place In Cranston, Providence, Warwick