Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake released a statement on Sunday morning ending the citywide 10 p.m.- 5 a.m. curfew that was implemented after Monday’s unrest. Here is the full statement:
“Effective immediately, I have rescinded my order instituting a city-wide curfew. My goal has always been to not have the curfew in place a single day longer than was necessary.
My number one priority in instituting a curfew was to ensure the public peace, safety, health and welfare of Baltimore citizens. It was not an easy decision, but one I felt was necessary to help our city restore calm.
I want to thank the people of Baltimore for their patience during this difficult time as we continue to come together to heal and restore our City.”
Bars, restaurants and other nightlife spots felt the curfew most acutely, as it resulted in a loss of business.
As protests continued Saturday and remained peaceful, the curfew was starting to become a reason to demonstrate. On Saturday, organizer Malik Shabazz and numerous speakers at City Hall called for it to end.
