Mayor Ginther rescinds city-wide curfew order

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has rescinded the city-wide curfew order following a federal lawsuit claiming the continued curfew violated constitutional rights.

The mayor's office said the curfew has been rescinded and that the "parties will move to dismiss the lawsuit per an agreement reached between the City and the plaintiffs involved."

The curfew was put in place indefinitely on May 30 until the mayor rescinds it. The executive order, unveiled on June 1, said people are not allowed to travel on any public street, sidewalk, or public place during the curfew hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel, and news media members, as well as other personnel authorized by the city or the state, were exempt. Anyone traveling to or from work was also exempt.

The mayor's office sent the following statement announcing the curfew has been lifted:

“I am pleased that in recent days there has been better communication and greater collaboration between police and protestors, demonstrations have been peaceful, and there have not been any significant acts of violence, vandalism or use of force by police,” said Mayor Ginther. “I applaud all those who are raising their voices in protest and encourage all to continue to do so peacefully.”

A lawsuit filed in federal court last night argued that the continuation of the curfew violated the U.S. Constitution because the widespread acts of vandalism have dissipated. Parties will move to dismiss the lawsuit per an agreement reached between the City and the plaintiffs involved.

The curfew in place since May 30 will be lifted immediately upon rescinding the declaration. Columbus residents may move about freely and businesses may resume normal hours of operation.

“In recent days we became increasingly hopeful that the curfew could be lifted, and clearly the time is now right. I encourage people to continue to lift up their voices in peaceful protest, and we will remain laser-focused on implementing meaningful and lasting change to fight racism and discrimination.”