US: Authorities announce extension of overnight curfews in Minneapolis/St. Paul (Minnesota state) on June 1 /update 1

Event

Minnesota government officials announced on Monday, June 1, that overnight curfews will be extended in the metro Minneapolis region amid continued unrest over the police-related death of George Floyd. Governor Tim Walz, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, announced that the new curfew order will be from 22:00 to 04:00 (local time) on Monday and Tuesday nights, June 1-2. The curfew will be imposed in all public places within both cities with certain exceptions that can be found here.

Additionally, a large protest outside the Governor's Mansion began at 16:00 on June 1.

Further protests and unrest are likely in the area in the near term.

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 greater Minneapolis and across metropolitan areas in the US are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.