US: Atlanta authorities lift curfew following peaceful weekend protests June 7

Event

Local media sources report that Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms lifted a city-wide curfew on Sunday, June 7, following weekend protests that were peaceful with no reports of arrests. The announcement was made following ten days of unrest related to the police-involved death of George Floyd and the wider Black Lives Matter movement. The curfew was originally imposed on May 30 as protests turned violent, with reports of widespread vandalism, looting, and arrests.

Further protests and associated unrest are possible in the coming days.

Context

George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired, and one has since been charged with murder. Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters gathered on May 26 to denounce the death and actions of the police officers. Clashes ensued between protesters and riot police; with demonstrators throwing bricks and projectiles at police and police property, and police responding with tear gas and rubber bullets as they attempted to disperse the crowds. Protests have since spread to a number of cities across the US.

Advice

Individuals in Atlanta are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.