Lawrenceville, Sugar Hill Anticipate Protests Monday Afternoon

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — More demonstrations over the death of George Floyd — one in Lawrenceville, another in Sugar Hill — are occurring Monday night in Gwinnett County.

A 5 p.m. protest is underway at Lawrenceville City Hall. In response, Lawrenceville Mayor David Still and the city council have enacted a curfew starting at 9 p.m. Monday. Also, City Hall closed at 3 p.m., with all public meetings scheduled from June 1 to June 5 postponed until next week.

“The safety of our citizens and employees is our top priority,” Still said in a statement on the city’s website. “The City of Lawrenceville supports peaceful and respectful protests, and our police department will continue to ensure the safety of the protestors, the public and prevent property damage in our city.”

About 30 people had gathered before 5 p.m. Monday in front of City Hall.

The second demonstration, also at 5 p.m., will be in downtown Sugar Hill. City council member Brandon Hembree announced on his Facebook page that he and fellow council member Taylor Anderson would be there.

“We live in a wonderfully diverse community, and it is the reason I love Sugar Hill with all my heart,” Hembree wrote.

Today’s demonstrations follow a weekend of mostly peaceful protests in Gwinnett County. A Friday-night march at Sugarloaf Mills ended with no injuries and no damage to businesses. However, four people were arrested on unspecified charges, and two police cruisers were damaged, according to the Gwinnett Police Department.

The Gwinnett Daily Post reported two more demonstrations in Lawrenceville on Sunday. The first demonstration at 3 p.m. in front of city hall was peaceful, but a second demonstration Sunday night between the Lawrenceville Lawn and police headquarters resulted in about a half dozen arrests, according to City Manager Chuck Warbington.

Late Saturday, Gwinnett County Solicitor General Brian Whiteside made a point of announcing that his office would prosecute “to the fullest extent of the law” anyone who engaged in violence, retail crime or property damage while protesting.

“We are aware that tensions are high in our community, but criminal activity will not be tolerated,” Whiteside said in a statement. “Instead of creating chaos and destruction, we must come together as a community to show our strength during these uncertain times.”

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