The City of Faribault Sunday announced an 8 p.m. curfew for all residents Sunday, May 31.
The decision to enact the curfew is a proactive measures to reduce the possibility of civil disobedience, vandalism, looting, civil unrest and rioting resulting in property damage and threats to the health and safety of the citizens of the city of Faribault. The Faribault City Council recognizes and supports the right to peaceful protests, which have been seen across the country following the death of George Perry Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. However, due to some acts of civil disobedience, vandalism, looting and rioting, the City felt the curfew was a necessity.
The trend of curfews has rapidly spread throughout the Twin Cities and beyond after several nights of unrest in the metro. The local curfew, which includes all public places, including streets, lasts until 6 a.m. Monday, June 1.
According to Go. Tim Walz, the curfew in Minneapolis and St. Paul on Friday and Saturday night allowed law enforcement to target those who meant to do harm to our communities.
During the hours of the curfew, all persons must not travel on any public street or in any public place. All law enforcement, fire, medical personnel and members of the news media, as well as other personnel authorized by City, County, State, or Federal jurisdictions are exempt from the curfew. Individuals seeking emergency care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, experiencing homelessness, and travelling directly to and from employment or a religious service are also exempt.
For purposes of this emergency declaration, "travel" includes, without limitation, travel on foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit, or any other mode of transporting a person from one location to another. "Public Place" means any place, whether on privately or publicly owned property, accessible to the general public, including but not limited to public streets, roads, alleys, highways, sidewalks, parks, vacant lots and unsupervised property.
To see the full resolution announcing the curfew, click here.
Find a statement from Police Chief Andy Bohlen below:
"The City if Faribault is planning to implement an emergency curfew to mirror the City of Northfield. This is being done to protect residents. The curfew will be set for 8:00 PM and is planned only for Sunday evening but could get extended additional days due to a declared State of Emergency. The City of Faribault has not received any immediate direct threats of civil unrest and rioting planned for Sunday. Over the weekend, however, the police department investigated numerous vague threats and tips through social media of potential criminal activity directed to the Faribault area. We are taking all precautions to protect our residents and while we support the freedom of speech through protest an unjustified death in police custody, we must do all we can to keep the City safe against those that would have a desire to damage property and create chaos."