No Credible Threats Made On Aquidneck Island, Officials Say

NEWPORT, RI — There are no plans to implement a curfew in Newport at this time, city officials said. Although police and leaders remain on high alert, no credible threats have been made on Aquidneck Island at this time, city leaders said in a statement.

"As the nation continues to mourn the murder of George Floyd, the City of Newport stands ready to do our part to protect and support all those who wish to exercise their Constitutional right to peacefully assemble," the statement said in part. "While we are not aware of any credible threats to the City of Newport or Aquidneck Island, our public safety personnel are actively taking precautions to prepare for any potential unrest."

City leaders are working with state and regional leaders to ensure the safety of residents, the statement said, and will work to avoid any destruction of property such as that seen in Providence Monday night.

Several cities implemented curfews Tuesday night and increased police presences after hundreds of people flooded the streets of downtown, forcing their way into the Providence Place Mall, looting stores, breaking windows throughout the surrounding area and burning vehicles.

"They weren't even pretending to protest," Gov. Gina Raimondo said. "They showed up in the middle of the night with crowbars, and flares, ready to set our city on fire."

Read more:

• After A High-Tension Night In Rhode Island, 'A Better Morning'
• Raimondo: Providence Violence Not 'Who We Are As Rhode Islanders'
  
• 'A Sad Day For Downtown': Providence Cleans Up Following Violence
  
• Overnight Curfews In Place In Cranston, Providence, Warwick
  
• Coventry Rescinds Overnight Curfew
  
• RI Leaders Say Protest-Related Coronavirus Spike Possible