Jacksonville curfew ends; dozens arrested for unlawful assembly on Sunday

Jacksonville, FL — Following a 10-hour curfew Sunday night and Monday morning, the City of Jacksonville looks to begin the work week shaken by violence and a pandemic. Mayor Lenny Curry initiated the curfew, citing criminal activity that threatened first responders and private property.

“Let me say this plainly, if you are in our streets after 8 pm you are subject to arrest by law enforcement. No one may travel upon City streets except for 1st responders, credentialed media, people going to/from work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger”, Curry said on Twitter.

Sunday started peaceful with a gathering of dozens outside the Duval County Courthouse protesting the death of George Floyd and other deadly encounters between black men and women and police. But tensions escalated as people marched through the streets, and some attempted to block traffic getting on the Main Street Bridge.

Sunday saw at least 22 arrests unlawful assembly, according to JSO arrest records. The youngest was 18-years-old and the oldest was 80-years-old.

Saturday's arrests included some charged with trespassing/defying an order to leave, as well as resisting an officer.

One Jacksonville officer was either stabbed or slashed in the neck during Saturday’s clashes. A JSO spokesperson told WOKV the officer was treated for his injury and released. He is expected to make a full recovery.