Statement of SFPD Chief Bill Scott on May 31, 2020 Curfew in S.F. 20-058

Demonstrations in San Francisco were overwhelmingly orderly and peaceful today, and SFPD officers were proud to help facilitate these in a way that protected the First Amendment rights and safety of all who took part.

But because of looting and vandalism that took place in San Francisco last night, Mayor London Breed today declared a state of emergency and issued a mandatory curfew order that took effect at 8:00 p.m. this evening.

Although the vast majority of demonstrators dispersed without incident before the curfew hour tonight, a relatively small number of defiant individuals refused to comply. Shortly after 8:00 p.m., SPFD issued a dispersal order to an unlawful assembly in the Civic Center area, which was met with defiance, thrown bottles, and trash fires. In response, SFPD and Sheriff’s Deputies began making arrests.

At this time, SFPD has made approximately 80 arrests in the Market Street, SOMA and Union Square areas for violations of the curfew order or looting. Some of these arrests resulted in the seizure of a firearm and explosives. We will continue making arrests throughout the night wherever we are unable to gain compliance voluntarily.

At this challenging time for our City and our nation, we are committed to public safety, and we will not tolerate continued rioting, looting, or vandalism that threatens it. On behalf of all of us in the San Francisco Police Department, we are grateful to the overwhelming majority of San Franciscans who’ve abided by the curfew order and in doing so greatly aided our ability to keep our City safe.