x
Breaking News
More () »

Atlanta lifting curfew for Saturday night

The mayor is citing the lack of arrests on Friday night as a major factor behind the decision.

ATLANTA — The city of Atlanta has decided to lift the nightly curfew that has been in place for the past week.

According to Michael Smith, spokesperson for Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the mayor was encouraged by the notion that there were no arrests behind Friday night's protests, despite the curfew being extended by an extra hour. 

Friday night, the curfew started one hour earlier -- at 8 p.m. -- than it had on previous nights.

Smith tells 11Alive that the city plans to monitor events overnight Saturday and make a determination regarding a curfew for Sunday night early Sunday afternoon. 

RELATED: After peaceful Friday, Atlanta's protests enter second week

The 9 p.m. to dawn curfew was first enacted last Saturday night, following last Friday's protests, which included damage to buildings, burned vehicles and looting. 

Last Friday, 79 people were arrested, followed by 180 people on last Saturday night. By Thursday night, arrest numbers began to significantly decline. Only six people were arrested on Thursday night.

RELATED: Peaceful protesters picket home of Atlanta's mayor

According to Smith, one of the factors that influenced the lifting of the curfew for Saturday night was the lack of arrests on Friday night. 

MORE HEADLINES | 

2 Buffalo Police officers charged with second degree assault

Protesters balance fight for racial justice with coronavirus' spread

Atlanta officer on desk duty after bodyslamming dental hygienist during struggle

Brees responds to Trump: 'We can no longer use the flag to turn people away'

Atlanta Hawks, State Farm meet to discuss ways to 'make certain that black lives matter'

'This black mother understands the fire' | TIME unveils magazine cover following George Floyd's death

Before You Leave, Check This Out