TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Citing violence during protests, Leon County is instituting a nightly curfew starting Wednesday.
At the request of law enforcement, county officials say the curfew will go into effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Wednesday, September 2 and will continue each day until the morning of Tuesday, September 8.
"Due in part to recent violence during protests and demonstrations in Leon County, and out of an abundance of caution, Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil requested the countywide curfew in an effort to prevent further violence and unrest," officials wrote in a release sent Tuesday afternoon. "With the request of the curfew, Sheriff McNeil intends to maintain an individual’s rights to peaceful and lawful protest while ensuring the protection of everyone’s safety and help first responders maintain peace."
During the curfew, residents are being told to remain home, though that doesn't stop individuals from going to and from work, seeking healthcare or emergency veterinary care, or walking a pet on their premises.
"While we respect the right of individuals to peacefully protest, our first obligation remains ensuring the safety of our community," said Leon County Commission Chairman Bryan Desloge.
You can read the full proclamation below:
Proclamation 2020-03 (Leon ... by WTXL ABC 27
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