Mayor Jamael Tito Brown has issued a curfew for the city of Youngstown for Monday, June 1 beginning at 7 p.m. and in effect through 5 a.m. Tuesday.

The order closes all city roads to vehicles and pedestrian traffic except emergency traffic and verifiable employees going to work.

Brown said the curfew is in effect because of continued threat and escalating violence, and to protect first responders, citizens, and private property.

The protests have spread across the country since the death in Minneapolis of Geoge Floyd last week while being taken into police custody. 

The curfew prevents people within Youngstown from appearing in public spaces, sidewalks, or streets.

Law enforcement, fire, medical personnel, and members of the news media, as well as authorized city personnel and state, are exempt. 

Individuals traveling directly to and from work are also exempt from the curfew.

WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris says WRTA riders may experience delays or detours as drivers are authorized to deviate from their normal fixed routes in order to avoid crowds if protests take place in Youngstown.