Redmond Issues Curfew, Fearing Unrest Amid Protests

REDMOND, WA — The city of Redmond declared a civil emergency and issued a curfew Monday night as protests against police violence have led to widespread unrest in nearby cities.

There are no known threats in Redmond, the city said in a news release. Still, Mayor Angela Birney issued a curfew from 8 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday and continuing until Birney terminates it, the city said.

During those hours, residents are banned from public spaces, with the exception of law enforcement, emergency workers, government officials and media.

"It is not the intent of the City to prevent lawful and orderly protests and demonstrations or to curtail the right of the public to engage in free speech or lawful assembly," the city said. "The intent of the curfew is to protect the Redmond community and those engaged in lawful protests."

Redmond police will monitor protests elsewhere in the region, and the National Guard — mobilized statewide Sunday by Gov. Jay Inslee — is standing ready if Mayor Birney requests assistance, according to the city.

Protesters in Puget Sound and across the country have taken to the streets demonstrating against police violence following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis May 25. Floyd, 46, died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes as Floyd begged for air.

Nearby, Bellevue issued a curfew Monday for the second straight day following widespread looting at downtown businesses. Seattle, where large protests took place over the weekend, also issued another curfew Monday.