SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh reinstated a Declaration of a State of Special Emergency Friday afternoon.
The original state of emergency was issued on May 30, after an outbreak of civil unrest due to the death of George Floyd.
The order was originally set for 5 days.
While peaceful demonstrations have continued in Syracuse this past week, demonstrations have escalated to violence in other parts of the nation.
The State of Special Emergency is in effect for 30 days, unless terminated earlier. The full declaration can be found below.
Mayor Walsh reinstated the State of Special Emergency ahead of a large protest planned in Downtown Syracuse on Saturday.
The State of Special Emergency allows Mayor Walsh to enact a curfew, like he did following last Saturday’s violence, quickly. The Mayor said he does not take his decision to impose a curfew lightly, but has this as a tool, if needed.
Chief Kenton Buckner said several thousand people are expected to pack the streets around the Public Safety Building and City Hall.
The protest has caused road closures in the area which will remain closed until further notice.
Chief Buckner said he has been pleased and appreciative of the protesters this past week for remaining peaceful. He said it is the police department’s attempt to make sure everyone has the time and space to exercise their 1st amendment right, however, everyone has a duty to protect the city and criminal behavior is not tolerated.
The Syracuse Police Department will be “all-hands-on-deck” for Saturday with the help of County and State Police, and other local emergency agencies.
You can listen to the whole press briefing from Mayor Walsh, Chief Buckner, and Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens in the video player above.
