City announces Alamo Plaza closure every night through Sunday

The City of San Antonio announced Alamo Plaza will be closed every night this week, from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., through Sunday.

“The closure is a precautionary measure to minimize the possibility of civil disturbance and damage to sensitive structures,” according to a press release.

On Saturday, a peaceful protest of about 5,000 people, the largest non-Spurs championship gathering downtown in recent memory, coalesced at Travis Park and police headquarters following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. Later that night, downtown became a scene of chaotic when agitators began vandalizing buildings, streetscapes and landmarks.

Tuesday morning, during a press conference about downtown businesses recovering from Saturday night’s damage, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said that should unrest return to downtown streets, San Antonians should carry the message of peace forward.

“God hope we have seen the last trouble in our city so we can get back to the important message that’s trying to be carried,” Nirenberg said. “Make sure you remind our folks … out here that this city belongs to all of us, and the way we lift all of us up for justice and equity is that we further the message of peace and nonviolence.”

City officials said they will reassess the closures later this week.

“The San Antonio police department will increase staffing in the downtown area to mitigate any potential disturbances,” the release said.

Related
» ‘As citizens of San Antonio, we have to do our part’
» Cops use teargas in San Antonio after vandalism erupts following peaceful anti-police brutality march

Contact Ben Olivo at 210-421-3932 | ben@saheron.com | @rbolivo on Twitter