A night-time curfew has been lifted in the Los Angeles County as largely peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd continued across the area.
“Based upon current situational awareness and the recent pattern of peaceful actions by protesters, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will no longer enforce a curfew,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva tweeted on Thursday, adding that other jurisdictions were free to make their own decisions.
A curfew had been in effect for four nights in a row in the most populous US county, with a population of over 10 million, since Sunday due to the protests which sometimes descended into chaos, reports Xinhua news agency.
“I agree with this decision — it gives the peaceful protesters more time to speak out on our streets without fear of arrest,” tweeted Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn.
Hahn reminded local residents that cities may impose their own curfews.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that he will not impose a curfew in the city.
Thousands of peaceful protesters packed streets in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday as smaller demonstrations spread across the area.
Multiple protests over Floyd’s death which took place in police custody on May 25, were held in cities across Southern California on Thursday.
There will be no countywide curfew in the @CountyofLA today. I agree with this decision– it gives the peaceful protesters more time to speak out on our streets without fear of arrest.
Keep in mind that cities may impose their own curfews.
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) June 4, 2020
