Little Rock has rolled its citywide curfew back from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the intention of lifting it completely on Monday, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said at a news conference Friday.
The measure was put in place after days of protests against police brutality that followed the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a Minneapolis officer. More demonstrations are scheduled over the weekend, Police Chief Keith Humphrey said.
Humphrey said between eight and 10 arrests were made at protests the last two nights and that most were related to violating the curfew. None were for vandalism, he said. Several law enforcement agencies have been working together to crack down on protesters under an executive order from Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
“We want to continue to acknowledge and appreciate what they’re doing,” Scott said of the peaceful protesters. “They are really galvanizing and creating positive change.”
Officials also announced an initiative to allow local restaurants to get outdoor seating plans approved more quickly. Last month, restaurants were allowed to reopen at 33% capacity after being ordered to close statewide to the covid-19 pandemic.
The city will begin taking applications for plans Tuesday and has set up a team to work through them, Little Rock Planning and Development Director Jamie Collins said.
EARLIER:
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. is scheduled to provide a 1 p.m. update on protests in the city and its curfew. The mayor also plans to speak about a new restaurant initiative, according to a news release provide by the city.
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