Curfew put in place for City of North Little Rock amid protests

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The City of North Little Rock has put a curfew in place as a result of the growing protests, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the State of Emergency declaration by the governor.

No one is allowed to be on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public properties between 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Wednesday.

The curfew will not apply to those going to and from work, according to a press release.

Thousands across Arkansas have participated in protests against police brutality and racial injustice in recent days. The protests, sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, have mostly been peaceful. But authorities have used tear gas to break up gatherings in Little Rock, Conway, and Bentonville. In Little Rock, small groups have broken windows, spray-painted buildings, and committed other acts of vandalism. There have been multiple arrests and injuries.

On Tuesday, Little Rock and Benton also issued 8 p.m. curfews. The release did not state when the curfew would be lifted.