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Indy mayor imposes 8 p.m. curfew following protests: Here is what that means for you

Posted at 11:44 AM, May 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-31 16:30:45-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Following a second night of violent protests, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett imposed a curfew that will be in effect from 8 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday.

Hogsett said anyone found in violation of the curfew could face up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $10,000.

“This policy is not intended to punish our residents — it is intended to protect them,” Hogsett said. “We also remain committed to protecting the peaceful demonstrations we fully expect will take place today and in the weeks to come. We do not tolerate these acts of protest — we celebrate them.

"And just as with yesterday, we will continue to work with event organizers to ensure they have a venue to deliver their non-violent message without interference.”

What it means

Under the curfew, people will not be allowed on public streets or in public places in Marion County from 8 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday.

The curfew applies whether a person is traveling by automobile, motorcycle, bus, scooter or foot.

The order refers to "public streets" and "public places," which means people cannot be outside on any privately or publicly owned property that is accessible to the general public. These include:

  • Streets and roads
  • Alleys
  • Highways
  • Driveways
  • Sidewalks
  • Parks
  • Plazas
  • Parking lots
  • Vacant lots

The curfew does not apply to people who are:

  • People traveling directly to or from work
  • Anyone seeking medical care
  • People fleeing dangerous circumstances
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Members of the news media
  • Federal, state or local public officials
  • People experiencing homelessness

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced four ramps leading into downtown will close by 8 p.m.:

  • I-70 westbound to Fletcher Street/Ohio Street/Michigan Street
  • I-65 southbound to Fletcher Street/Ohio Street/Michigan Street
  • I-65 northbound to Washington Street
  • I-65 northbound and southbound to Dr. Martin Luther King Drive

What led to this

At a press conference Sunday, Hogsett praised the peaceful protesters from Saturday afternoon, but condemned the vandalism and violence that he said a "small group" continued to cause Saturday evening.

Two people died in shootings between Saturday night and Sunday morning, while multiple other people were injured. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Joshua Barker said 56 people were arrested the past two nights.

"Guns were pulled and deadly violence was directed with wanton disregard for other civilians," Hogsett said. "In the chaos that ensued, significant damage was done to our downtown."

RELATED | IMPD: 2 killed, more than 50 arrested in weekend violence in Downtown Indianapolis

Watch the full press conference below.