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Mayor Woodfin issues a state of emergency and curfew for Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama – Due to the civil unrest that occurred in Birmingham on May 31, Mayor Randall L. Woodfin has issued a state of emergency and curfew for Birmingham. The curfew, which is effective today, June 1, will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., until further notice.

Last night’s events happened following a peaceful protest in memory of George Floyd, who was killed by police in Minneapolis. The mayor said that unrest that followed the peaceful protest, including breaking storefront windows, violence and theft, was not done in memory of Floyd and does not represent the values of Birmingham.

Violent protestors damaged property in downtown Birmingham and in certain parts of the city on May 31. Twenty-four people were arrested, 13 businesses were damaged, and 14 businesses were burglarized last night. Police expect to receive more reports of damages today, according to Police Chief Patrick Smith.

The mayor said that such civil unrest threatens the lives, safety, health and welfare and the property of the people of the City.

“No one deserved what happened last night in this city, we call home, Birmingham,’’ Mayor Woodfin said. “Birmingham, this is not us. This is not who we are. This is not how we taught the world how to protest.’’

“Violence, looting and chaos is not the road to reform, and anybody who is doing the looting, … breaking things just because,… you’re on a different agenda that the City of Birmingham will not tolerate,’’ Mayor Woodfin said. “And I want to make this clear. You don’t get a second chance at it.’’

The mayor said that if anyone has footage or information on those who damaged property or committed crimes, they should contact CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777. The mayor added that those needing access to downtown or any area of Birmingham during the curfew should consult with their employer in securing a letter on company letterhead to state that they are out working during the curfew on behalf of the company.

The curfew limits activities during 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. including any demonstration, parade, march or vigil on public ways or public property.

It also limits travel upon any public street, alley, or roadway or on any other public property except in certain cases:

  • People seeking medical assistance, food or other service necessary to well-being for themselves or their families
  • People traveling through the city from one location outside the city to another location outside the city
  • People returning to their place of residence or employment
  • People traveling to comply with legally mandated government purposes or an order of law enforcement or a court

Certain individuals identified as essential will also receive exceptions, including:

  • City law enforcement officers, firefighters and other public employees
  • Doctors, nurses, employees of hospitals and other medical facilities
  • On-duty military personnel
  • On-duty employees of public utilities
  • On-duty employees of newspaper, magazine, radio broadcasting, and television broadcasting corporations

Employers are advised to provide a letter or official documentation for employees who may be traveling to or from work during the curfew hours or traveling on the job during the curfew hours.