Lawrence Township officials have ordered an overnight curfew tonight, June 1, in reaction to the violence, vandalism and looting that occurred in Trenton and Philadelphia on May 31, triggered by the death of an African American man during an encounter with a white police officer in Minneapolis on May 25.
The curfew, which is effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., was declared by Mayor Jim Kownacki and signed by the mayor and Police Chief Brian Caloiaro, Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Oakley and Municipal Attorney David Roskos.
“The mayor has made a finding that violence, including the looting of and damage to local businesses and properties in neighboring municipalities during the past 24 hours, creates a danger to the public and to property,” the proclamation said.
Lawrence Township parks and other public areas, as well as all businesses, will be closed under the Local Disaster Emergency Curfew order issued by township officials. All residents are ordered to stay inside.
Health care workers, police and emergency personnel and government officials or employees who are conducting their official duties are exempt from the curfew order.
Also, persons seeking medical help, essential social services, or help from the police are exempt from the curfew.