Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced Sunday afternoon that she has declared a state of emergency and is instituting an 8 p.m. curfew for the city. The curfew will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for 72 hours. No one is allowed in public places with exceptions of those using transit, people going to businesses and recreational activities.
No gatherings of more than 25 people will be allowed. Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he is mobilizing the Nebraska National Guard to Omaha. "Our message for the peaceful protestors is, we hear you," Ricketts said. "Justice must be served for George Floyd." Ricketts said the protests Friday and Saturday in Omaha were hijacked by perpetrators of violence and those seeking to harm Nebraska cities.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said Saturday was one of the longest nights the City of Omaha has seen in its history. "There were shootings, assaults, violence against police, property damage... an arrest was made for a man with a molotov cocktail," he said. "As chief, I need to make sure we can provide security and protection for our community."
He says the National Guard will be embedded with the police department. "I do not want a military occupation," Schmaderer added. The FBI has also been involved to run background checks of the 51 arrests made Saturday.
A peaceful protest is scheduled at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation Sunday night at 6:00 Schmaderer also addressed the shooting death of 22 year old James Scurlock. He was shot near 12th and Harney late Saturday night as protesters moved from 72nd and Dodge to downtown.
Schmaderer says the alleged shooter has been in police custody since he was detained. He says he does not condone any vigilante action for business owners concerned their property may be damaged. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine will determine what charges will be filed.