Rochester Imposing Night Time Curfew For Downtown Area

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The City of Rochester has decided to impose night-time curfew in the downtown area in an effort to reduce the potential for property damage or violence in the wake of the death of George Floyd that has led to a murder charge against a former Minneapolis police officer.

Rochester City Council President Randy Staver says the curfew will be enforced from 9 PM tonight until 5 AM Sunday. Staver says the decision was made after some incidents last night involving groups of people who blocked traffic and caused some damage.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton signed the official declaration Saturday afternoon. It prohibits all travel within the downtown district boundary, on any street, sidewalk, path, or any public place.

“We have and will continue to support the peaceful protest of our community. I ask for the community’s cooperation and support in following the curfew,” said Mayor Kim Norton. “Plan to stay safely at home tonight with your families and loved ones.”

Downtown Rochester was the site of a peaceful demonstration Friday afternoon and into the early evening. City Council President Staver says another peaceful protest took place outside the government center this afternoon. He estimated the crowd at around 500 people, including families and children.

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