There will be no mandatory curfews beginning Friday night in the Twin Cities.
Gov. Tim Walz and state officials made the announcement after a week of nightly curfews imposed to stem the violence that erupted in the days after the death of George Floyd while being arrested by Minneapolis police. Hundreds of businesses were looted and damaged and dozens more were set on fire in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Curfews were started last Friday, lasting from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., as the National Guard joined law enforcement to quell the violence.
On Monday as nights grew calmer, the curfews were shortened to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and extended through Thursday night. Under the curfew, only those going and returning from work, emergency workers, those fleeing a dangerous situation, the homeless and the media were allowed to be out in public. Others were subject to arrest.
While the nighly curfews have ended, Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said at a Friday afternoon press briefing that residents are still encouraged to be safe and stay at home if they are able to.
