City of Akron issues curfew following Jayland Walker protests; Cancels community fireworks

AKRON — The city of Akron announced Monday that it has issued a curfew for downtown Akron from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., the city said in a press release.

The fireworks scheduled for Monday night, July 4, in downtown Akron has also been cancelled, the city said.

>>UPDATE: Man killed in hail of bullets fired by Akron police was unarmed, according to new details

The curfew comes following protests of the officer-involved shooting that killed 25-year old Jayland Walker on June 27.

“Early yesterday yesterday, we had several peaceful protests in the downtown footprint related to the officer-involved shooting of Jayland Walker,” said Dan Horrigan, Akron Mayor. “However, as night fell and others began to join, the protests became no longer peaceful. There was significant property damage done to downtown Akron.”

Horrigan said small businesses up and down Main Street in Akron had their windows broken and the city, “cannot and will not tolerate the destruction of property or violence.”

“I have declared a state of emergency,” he said. “Implemented a curfew and canceled the fireworks which were scheduled for tonight.”

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