Jackson Free Press

(JACKSON, M.S.) – ​Today, in response to the recent uptick in violent crime within the City of Jackson, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued both a Mayoral Proclamation of Civil Emergency and a Mayoral Curfew Order for minors under the age of eighteen (18) years. The dual actions are intended to help protect the health and safety of all Jackson residents, but in particular to protect children, for whom current social conditions are taking an exceptional toll at this time.

“I am concerned for our City and I am worried for the safety of all of our residents,” said Mayor Lumumba. “But, I am especially concerned for our young people at this moment when social conditions have left many vulnerable and without the usual social supports and structures in which they thrive. Keeping our youth off the streets during these late hours is intended to keep them out of harm’s way. It is for their protection. We must make all efforts for the health and welfare of our City.”

The Proclamation of Civil Emergency is effective immediately and shall remain in effect through Wednesday, February 17, 2021, or until rescinded or superseded by another applicable Proclamation.

The Curfew Order states that it shall be unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years, unmarried and not emancipated by removal of minority disability by order of the court, to remain in or upon any public street, highway, park, vacant lot, establishment or other public place within the city during the time frame from 10 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., commencing on Thursday, February 4, 2021 for a period of five days.

Several valid exceptions to the curfew are listed within the Order, including but not limited to being accompanied by a parent or guardian, employment or medical emergency.