Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss declared a state of civil emergency after protests turned violent and destructive Saturday night, according to a proclamation signed Sunday.
Bliss also enacted a curfew starting at Sunday 7 p.m. through 5 a.m. Monday and Monday at 7 p.m. through 5 a.m. Tuesday. Violation of the curfew is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, according to a city release.
The protest was among many in the state and nation against police brutality, in the wake of the death of 46-year-old George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest Monday. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has since been charged with third-degree murder.
More: Replay: Detroit sets curfew for 8 p.m. after two nights of protests
"We implore our residents and visitors to abide by this curfew so we can restore order and protect our residents," Bliss said. "What happened in our city last night is beyond heartbreaking and is unacceptable. Violence, chaos and destruction have no place in our city. This does not represent who we are."
Damages from Saturday night's demonstration include seven vehicle fires, fire set to three unspecified structures and 100 businesses affected, according to officials. No injuries to residents or officers were reported.
Property damage from Saturday night will delay the reopening of the Grand Rapids Secretary of State office, which was scheduled to reopen Monday at 9 a.m. It is one of two offices statewide — along with the Wyoming branch — that will not reopen until further notice, according to a release from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Sunday.
City police arrested seven individuals Saturday night in connection with protests.
More: Police release photo of suspect in killing near Detroit protests
Volunteers, business owners and city employees participated in cleanup efforts the following morning in the downtown area, according to the release.
"This is Grand Rapids – people coming together to take care of our city,” Bliss said.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne said he is proud of his officers' professionalism during the protests and is working to identify those who contributed to the violent escalations.
“Public safety is our top priority, and we are committed to keeping everyone safe at all times — especially under challenging circumstances,” he said. “I want to assure the community that we are using all of our tools to identify the perpetrators responsible for last night’s violence, put their faces out in public in the coming days and ask for the community’s help to identify them.
The state of emergency has been authorized by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan National Guard will be deployed to help enforce the curfew and protect property, according to the release.
Contact Miriam Marini: mmarini@gannett.com
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