A statement from Mayor Esther Manheimer:
I respect everyone’s right to demonstrate and express their anger, sadness and frustration. It is important that we support the people’s right to expression, while still ensuring the safety of everyone in our community.
Following the last two nights of unrest and destruction of property, I am declaring a city-wide State of Emergency and issuing a curfew beginning tonight. The curfew will run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The following guidelines apply for the curfew:
- Requires individual to remain at home with the exception of medical emergencies and acquiring goods or services that are necessary to sustain the well-being of themselves or their families;
- Does not apply to medical professionals, public safety workers, medical or healthcare workers, military personnel, public transportation personnel, public utilities personnel, and media;
- Restricts travel within the city limits of Asheville;
- Violators will be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor.
The curfew will remain in effect until I declare it no longer necessary.
A frequently asked questions document providing additional information on the curfew will be made available via press release and City social media platforms later this afternoon.