060520 Press Release - Local Curfew Order Terminated 1O1-
`FJ60 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENTON Ryan Adams • (940) 349-8565 • Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
May 31 Curfew and Order Terminated
Curfew and Other Restrictions No Longer in Effect
DENTON, TX, June 5,2020—Effective immediately, City of Denton Mayor Chris Watts has
terminated the declaration of local disaster and order that was issued on May 31, 2020. The
mayoral order had previously implemented a 9 p.m. curfew in designated areas across the City
and restricted certain items that could be carried in those areas.
The May 31 order was put in place as a proactive response to threats of both violence and
destructive activity at planned protest events by non-Denton based groups this past weekend. The
intent of the action was to ensure the safety of protest attendees and reduce the possibility for
violence, injury, and property damage.
Since the order took effect, a number of protests and demonstrations have taken place in the City.
The Denton Police Department has worked with protesters and organizers to promote their safety
and the integrity of their protests. There have been no reports of injuries, only three arrests, and,
outside of several isolated incidents, no property damage in the designated areas.
Additionally, City staff has engaged business and property owners within the downtown and
surrounding areas and received their input and feedback regarding the curfew and restrictions.
While appreciative of the additional safety provided by the Denton police presence and the
restrictions of the local order, businesses felt the necessity of the order was reduced compared to
earlier in the week,provided that violent incidents and property damage do not occur.
Due to the lack of violence of the past several days' events, ongoing cooperation between the
Denton Police Department and organizers, and feedback from business and property owners
within the designated curfew area, the decision was made to terminate the curfew and order after
five days.
While no curfew or restrictions are in effect, there will continue to be an increased police
presence in the downtown and surrounding areas to promote safety as anticipated protests and
demonstrations are conducted. If violent or criminal activities, such as assaultive behavior or
destruction of property, are committed in the context of protests and demonstrations, a curfew
may be considered again. Event organizers and attendees are encouraged to be respectful of the
local businesses and residents in the area.
Contact: Ryan Adams, (940) 349-8565, Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
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My TERMINATION OF
DENDElv'T(JN- MAY 31, 2020 DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER
TON AND ORDER
DATE ISSUED: JUNE 5, 2020
WHEREAS, following the in-custody death of George Perry Floyd which gave rise to protests
and civil disturbances around the country, I, as the Mayor of the City of Denton, declared a local
disaster on May 31, 2020 pursuant to Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code and Section 9-
3 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances, acting in accordance with the City's Emergency
Management Plan to address the threat of riot or civil disorder;and
WHEREAS, the protests within the City of Denton since May 31, 2020, have been largely
conducted in a responsible and peaceful manner; and
WHEREAS, property owners within the Designated Downtown Area have expressed that they
are not alarmed by the ongoing protests;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED BY THE MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF DENTON:
1. The local state of disaster declared for the City of Denton on May 31, 2020 is terminated.
2. The nighttime curfew and other prohibitions established in the May 31 Order 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 is terminated as of
4:00 p.m. June 5, 2020.
3. That this Order shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.
ORDERED this e 5t" day,of June, 2020.
Honor e Chris Watts
City of Denton Mayor
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