Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has decided to extend a district-wide emergency declaration through the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden. Bowser has decided to extend this declaration after rioters have taken to the streets of Washington, D.C. for several days. Tensions hit an all-time high as chaos erupted on Capitol Hill and resulted in four deaths along with 52 arrests.
“Today, First Amendment protests turned violent. Many persons came to the District armed and for the purpose of engaging in violence and destruction and have engaged in violence and destruction. They have fired chemical irritants, bricks, bottles, and guns,” Bowser stated.
I have issued Mayor’s Order 2021-003, extending the public emergency declared earlier today for a total of 15 days, until and unless provided for by further Mayoral Order.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 7, 2021
“They have breached the security of the Capitol and their destructive and riotous behavior has the potential to spread beyond the Capitol.”
Through this emergency declaration, Washington, D.C. City Administration Kevin Donahue has been given the power to implement measures “necessary or appropriate to protect persons and property in the District of Columbia from the conditions caused by this public emergency.” Bowser has also given Donahue, the city’s financial officer and deputy mayor can now apply for FEMA assistance to “recoup expenditures incurred, or obtain funding needed, under this order.”
In addition to extending a district-wide emergency declaration, the mayor has also implemented a citywide 6 p.m. curfew. It is unclear how long this curfew will be in place.
