Bemidji will be under a city-wide curfew starting tonight, May 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. tomorrow, May 31, and again from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday, June 1.
According to a release, Mayor Rita Albrecht signed the declaration this afternoon, and says the measure is out of an abundance of caution.
“We will have and will continue to support the peaceful protest of our community,” said Albrecht.
“I ask for the community’s cooperation and support in following the curfew.”
As of 5 p.m., the protest to remember George Floyd that gathered hundreds to the downtown area had dispersed.
Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin thanks the peaceful demonstrators.
“Our number one priority is protecting and serving our residents and locally owned small businesses,” said Mastin.
Emergency workers and other personnel authorized by the City, the State or the National Guard, are exempt from the curfew.
Those seeking emergency care or fleeing dangerous circumstances are also exempt, according to the release.
