Loading...
053120 Press Release - Order to Promote Peaceful Demonstrations (Combined) 1O1- `FJ60 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DENTON Ryan Adams • (940) 349-8565 • Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com City Continues to Promote Peaceful Demonstrations in Denton Local Order Implements Curfew and Other Restrictions in Designated Areas DENTON, TX, May 31, 2020—Mayor Chris Watts issued a local order, effective as of 5:00 p.m. today, to encourage peaceful demonstrations and protests within the City. Since the death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, demonstrations for justice and change have taken place in many urban areas across the nation. While most have been conducted peacefully, some cities experienced violence that resulted in injuries and significant property damage. Out of an abundance of caution, with several events planned within Denton, and with some threatening to engage in possible violence, the order is a step to ensure that, in the event a demonstration experiences destructive elements, any chance of injury to those present or damage to surrounding property is reduced. The order mandates that: • A curfew is established for the Designated Downtown Area, the Denton County Courthouse, Jail Facility, and any other areas of the Denton County building complex (see Exhibit 1) from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. from Sunday, May 31, 2020 through Sunday, June 7, 2020; • Public safety personnel, credentialed members of the news media, individuals traveling to and from work, or individuals seeking medical attention, among other designated persons or activities are exempted from this curfew; • Within the designated areas (Exhibit 1), the following items will be prohibited from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.: o Weapons, including knives,pepper spray, and clubs; o All purses,bags, and containers larger than a small clutch bag,backpacks and other similar bags and containers as listed in the order; and o Projectiles and signs with rigid components that could be used as a weapon. "Like many of you, I was deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless killing of George Floyd," said Mayor Watts. " I support the right of every citizen to peacefully protest to express their anger, sadness and call for reform; however, at this time we must do all we can to protect those in attendance, other bystanders, and the surrounding area from any potential harm. This order will help ensure our residents will make it home safely and protect private property from damage." Denton Police Department will conduct its normal patrol activities in the designated areas, adjusting the number of officers on hand based on expected crowds. "The Denton Police Department understands the need for change and embraces the coming together with our community to identify and address the areas where we can implement change," Chief of Police Frank Dixon said. "The Denton Police Department will continue working with OUR CORE VALUES Integrity•Fiscal Responsibility•Transparency• Outstanding Customer Service ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD(800)735-2989 the community to keep everyone safe so residents can exercise their constitutionally protected rights." The order expires after seven(7) days, unless extended by a vote of the full Denton City Council. Contact: Ryan Adams, (940) 349-8565, Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated. 2 o& DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER DENTUN AND ORDER 1 lr DATE ISSUED: MAY 31, 2020 WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020, George Perry Floyd died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department; and WHEREAS,in the aftermath of Mr.Floyd's killing many people around the country have engaged in peaceful protests and demonstrations, including in the City of Denton, Texas; and WHEREAS, in recent days some of these protests and demonstrations have escalated into civil disturbances, riots, and criminal activity in multiple cities resulting in injuries, property damage and looting; and WHEREAS, the rioting and criminal activity has occurred under cover of darkness; and WHEREAS, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, City public safety resources are limited and would be strained if civil disorder and rioting occurred; and WHEREAS, suspicious activity, weapons, and implements of destruction were identified during and following protests in the City of Denton on May 30, 2020; and WHEREAS,this Order activates the City of Denton Emergency Management Plan; and WHEREAS,pursuant to Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code and Section 9-3 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances, the mayor is designated as the director of emergency and disaster services of the City of Denton and may act in accordance with the City's Emergency Management Plan to address the threat of riot or civil disorder; and WHEREAS, I, Chris Watts,the Mayor of the City of Denton have determined that extraordinary and immediate measures must be taken to prevent riots and civil disorder in the community; NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DENTON: 1. That a local state of disaster is declared for the City of Denton. 2. A nighttime curfew is established for the Designated Downtown Area and the Denton County Courthouse, Jail Facility, and any other areas of the Denton County building complex, including all public places and streets, all areas which are depicted in Exhibit 1, from 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM beginning Sunday, May 31, 2020 and ending Sunday, June 7, 2020. a) During the hours of curfew, all persons must not travel on any public street or in any public place within the designated areas. Page 1 of 3 b) All law enforcement, fire, EMS personnel, and credentialed members of the news media, as well as other designated persons authorized by the City of Denton,Denton County, or State of Texas are exempt from curfew. Individuals traveling to and from work, seeking medical attention or engaging those activities exempted in this Declaration and Order, fleeing dangerous situations, or experiencing homelessness are also exempt. c) For purposes of this Declaration and Order, "travel" includes without limitation, travel on foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or any other mode of transporting a person from one location to another. 3. Within the Designated Downtown Area,the following items are prohibited from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.: a) All weapons, including knives, pepper spray, and clubs. b) All purses, bags, and containers larger than a small clutch bag, backpacks, camera bags,briefcases, computer bags, coolers, or luggage of any kind. c) Projectiles and signs with rigid components that could be used as weapons to damage property. This section does not apply to law enforcement personnel. Section b)of this section does not apply to fire personnel or credentialed members of the news media. 4. For purposes of this Declaration and Order, "public place" means any place, whether on privately or publicly owned property, accessible to the general public, including but not limited to public streets and roads, alleys, highways, driveways, sidewalks, parks, vacant lots, parking lots, and unsupervised property. 5. A violation of this Declaration and Order is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine up to $500. 6. As Mayor,I further reserve all other authority and powers conferred by state law to respond as necessary to this situation. 7. This Declaration of Local Disaster is hereby declared and shall continue for a period of not more than seven(7)days from 5:00 p.m.,May 31,2020 unless continued or renewed by the Denton City Council. 8. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 418.108(c) and Section 9-25 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances, this Declaration of Local State of Disaster and Order for shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the City Secretary. 9. Should any of the clauses, sentences,paragraphs, sections, or parts of this Declaration and Order be deemed invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of law or administrative agency with jurisdiction over the matter, such action shall not be construed to affect any other valid portion of this Declaration and Order. Page 2 of 3 10. That this Declaration and Order shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance. ORDERED this the 31't day of May, 2020. Honorable Chris Watts City of Denton Mayor Page 3 of 3 EXHIBIT 1 Mayoral Order Area Map ing ' � :�� !-���, ���,� ��'� 1:,,'.iern►t4'" ;.,11 . .„�, , ,� n�;�<�•fir '� r � �< F °'`. ,, �� •�.,;.a , �� �� 1_� ���y t. i r'-f• ` �" ,w `�,. �'a�a �i k � '' ������ i V ' ® > �I ®' M W,Z'I��'' �...�OTj ADMINIST '• `" }! . i%�- -.-WAYNE�ST�=r i® z �110"Y L�;� KAM WIN MEMI Aj VVIIIIII AN -LrATTIMORE CRESCENT ST �� I' ;I X K 1 �� ��, �d '� l� �I ��MN t ;� �' a ♦ ' w e, ar C� _ _+r h{ ®�0, 11 z �7.�_ 1 �� `a- 'z'_ CIR- jiri Cn� + !_ I+ �• hGr � r_�.h ' Rill �U- ME1 MIA � iii ;�� ,loll ® I �t' �' ,% -a✓ � "I. �� �1.: .... AK-TREE DR ®� SEEN LG 1, "'�, LRA �1.'. � �® �a --- III iilii �'�■�r�� � PLO_= o �, -TEXAS+Sl111111, OAF - 'll ,. I{ ���'�� 1®�����I�N �I� � ♦ � '� ., ^ ''ate+ ■ m� o� ��� �� � I _ III pip �� �® I `y .. `j®® �� - PANHANDLE ST , r F�,drlq����� �b��d� +�' �I+ice iE 1 ^ I �i; i MINIM® �• 'F1I ��1 WITHERS ST- - - - - w' �� �::� ^•' �� r �'��i� ��r �` �� �� ��DD to - X � ' 'h ' �I� ��•'t '' ®� �� ' 'PAISLEY"LS1 _ ter• EGANtST.� Avg w � MEN INSE ��®� t ®r ,fir IAm NNE QEpip --=- W.CONGRESS-ST= ir�l z� �� r���� �� ■�i®i` i•~��! �1���, �-� ��� $�I�� -�'�. ��- �i / > ®�E � +ram ����� ,� ' ;i �� � z G � _ +}♦ INEW, W PARKWAY_ ST v y E ! � Z NEINIE�� NNE ®®• � 1NEENNIN ®, �E� OWN NEE _t �= :,T. . . v ;,>> _ T� _- .�. . - ,; ' RBI � • ,�r�� ��USE I e' "f�►: r;i 7rCn.l� ,: tl ,t '' r+ +± F l E.MCKINNEYST • ''� ��, ,�� +,,,i'i , ,.il.� r' •' _ trt Ili �t. �l��M �/ : ..� '_ +� • E — ��� '� ,$7T VI nl��h ♦•` �n s�,x�Y�rt _'1� : 're 1 � � Od eps� i 'EiOAK ST �' 111 . �t 4 ,�� '�, ; \ ; 1. � hk ITII� � _- •+ .. 1�. ' I:_ { `2 l _ rNN®®r1 it '. �MEN %%% r �1• V WHICKORYST ^ nrrair�i �� �r �.r. . _ - � �►a�. EHICKORYST - :�� _ +i �? t•' Fri �4 - . �. •- � ,:, ,;ti . = 1 � ,. ;, , If ti . -76 I_ -��Tt � �07 i., W MULBERRY ST N T�s j - ►; ,�� _ �I 1 '� � vi® TROY H LAGRONE DR _III ._ _ RIO a_ +_= W SYCAMORE ST E S�YaCQMQRE Will MEN _ !■® - k C W ® _ �� 11110 Ills®ii ; ism o j---1 : A� a I 1� ` ! y WMEN IRRAIRIE,ST - ..iy „E.P_RAIRIE4ST' _ - _ �� i6a= SEEN liis _- � .'. �E w Sri 0� it N��Illlil - ' � .�1��_W7F' � � �� L:_I — t'1 F�E'7t� ' ,+ �� ■ .rl"` ._, � ' z P.P- .< _.. 'W HIGHL'ANDST� -._.>r.',j - \ „mil• �T. _1—� d' 7 Mill =�a�, 'a7�r ��.._:� 1+ y 1 % @FRrT ��®C — _ - �• WILSON:ST ' �,-- °MAPLE STD _ ,I � � SOHS 1,4 -MEN MIMI row ":M Est-aEVE LZ 7-1 arW EAGLE'DR - MILL' VM ;ST ' _ ` MORSE.ST _- Wqq I �11111 � ILI&���� . JR7' '� 4�N tti - 1♦Iloll 11111 4.. �1� *�NY�� � �.., JjLjjjjlSEE �l�® .. 1. .��,. !� 2' �® �� 77 `•� � ��.,ice ��- h. -4 N - 0 250 500 1,000 w E 0001 Feet Boundaries S .0 � a �� CIT7�Y • �P 0 •Q DENTO� � p Develo ment Services • GIS AKM rea I- � 1p a Date: 5/31/2020 The City of Denton has prepared maps for departmental use. These are not official maps of the City of Denton and should not be used for legal, engineering or surveying purposes but rather for reference purposes. These maps are the property of the City of Denton and have been made available to the public based on the Public Information Act. The City of Denton makes every effort to produce and publish the most current and accurate information possible. No warranties, expressed or implied, are provided for the data herein, its use, or its interpretation. Utilization of this map indicates understanding and acceptance of this statement.