In response to the potential for more unrest, city officials have announced a nightly curfew for downtown and Alamo Plaza through Sunday, June 7, according to a press release. The central business district will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., while the plaza will close between 7 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“The city will assess the situation to determine if closures are necessary beyond the weekend,” the press release says.
The measure is in response to recent protests and gatherings downtown every night since Saturday, as they are in every major American city, in response to the death of George Flloyd in Minneapolis two weeks ago. On Saturday night, a crowd of about 5,000 peacefully marched downtown. Afterward, dozens of agitators vandalized downtown buildings and streetscape, and loots some businesses. The protests since have largely been peaceful, not reaching Saturday’s chaos.
The curfew began last night, but did not dissuade another large group of protestors. Police officers allowed the protest and march to proceed, according to media reports.
Yesterday, Alamo officials announced temporary fence made of four-foot tall chain link on top of water-filled plastic barriers that will remain in place “as long as events indicate it is needed,” according to an Alamo release. A 15-foot wide access point will be available for people walking on Alamo and Houston streets.
According to the city’s release, “a violation of the temporary curfew is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.”
Contact Ben Olivo at 210-421-3932 | ben@saheron.com | @rbolivo on Twitter
How does, “… the plaza will close between 7 p.m. and 6 p.m.” work?