CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The City of Charlotte tried to return to normal Friday morning following a third night of protests across the city.
Charlotte city officials gathered for a press conference Friday. The CMPD Chief police said three were arrested during Thursday night's protests and one man arrested for the murder of Justin Carr during Wednesday night's protests.
With large crowds of protesters gathering in uptown Charlotte Thursday, Mayor Jennifer Roberts issued a curfew for the city.
Just after 9 p.m., Roberts officially issued the curfew, which will go into effect midnight Thursday night until 6 a.m. Friday.
BREAKING: Charlotte now under curfew. Takes effect at 12 am
— MichelleBoudin (@MichelleBoudin) September 23, 2016
Because Governor McCrory issued a State of Emergency following riots Wednesday night, the curfew will remain in effect every day until the State of Emergency is lifted or until Mayor Roberts revokes the curfew.
Protesters began to assemble in Romare Bearden Park around 7 p.m. Thursday, as local clergy leaders organized vigils for both Keith Scott and Justin Carr, the man who died after being shot during Wednesday’s protests. The crowds assembling Thursday were significantly calmer than the night before, when riots broke out near the Epicentre. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested 44 people during the demonstrations Wednesday, and one person died after city officials say he was shot by another civilian.
At around 10:30, protesters made their way down Mint Street toward I-277. Officers in riot gear acted quickly, driving the protesters from the roadway and back onto the streets of uptown Charlotte.
As the calm protests continued to unfold, several protesters were spotted sharing hugs and handshakes with members of the North Carolina National Guard, who were brought in to assist CMPD after Governor McCrory declared a State of Emergency.
When notified of the curfew put in place by Mayor Roberts, several protesters said they would refuse to abide by the order. Others said they are prepared to protest daily for at least a month until they feel justice is served.
Just after 11:30, CMPD announced there were no reports of civilian or officer injuries during Thursday's demonstration.
The City of Charlotte released the following FAQ:
How will the curfew be enforced?
A violation of the curfew restriction is a Class 2 misdemeanor and a violation of G.S. 14-288.20A.
Are schools, daycares etc. exempt from the curfew?
Travel for services necessary to sustain the well -being of citizens or their families are exempt from the curfew.
Are neighboring town subject to the curfew?
The curfew only applies within the corporate limits of the City of Charlotte.
How does the curfew impact visitors?
The curfew applies to visitors as well as citizens of Charlotte unless they fall under one of the exemptions.
How will the curfew impact commuters or travel to airport?
The curfew would not impact commuters or travel to the airport.
Does the curfew impact access to private streets?
No. The curfew only applies to public streets, alleys, or roadways or upon any public property, except by those in search of medical assistance, food or other commodity or service necessary to sustain the wellbeing or themselves or their families.
How will the curfew impact businesses such as restaurants and bars that are open after midnight?
The curfew restricts travel for non-exempt purposes within the City of Charlotte from midnight to 6 a.m. Patrons who leave establishments such as bars and restaurants will be impacted if they need to travel on the roadways during the curfew hours.
Are media outlets exempt from the curfew?
All media are an exception.
To view full details of the curfew, click here.
