Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has signed an Emergency Order reinstating a citywide curfew for Friday and Saturday nights, June 5th and 6th.
The curfew will be on both nights from 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM the following mornings.
According to a Thursday afternoon media release from the mayor's office, the curfew was recommended by Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. The Omaha Police Department is aware of five events taking place Friday and a large gathering of 4,000 expected participants for Saturday.
In the release Stothert states, "This is unfortunate but necessary. We will continue to encourage and support peaceful protests, but we also must take proactive steps to reduce risks to everyone; the participants, the public, and first responders."
Police Chief Schmaderer stated in the release, "We don't make this recommendation lightly. We are very conscious of the pressure these restrictions put on our city."
The release goes on to say, "The Emergency Order signed and issued today says, 'based upon information gathered by the Omaha Police Department, it is anticipated that there is a strong possibility of civil unrest, violence, destruction of property, and the potential for criminal behavior...'"