(MURFREESBORO) Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland issued an order Sunday, May 31, 2020, declaring a local 'State of Emergency' for the City of Murfreesboro in response to circumstances nationwide that have led to unlawful activities, including violence and destruction of property. The curfew went into effect at 6:30PM on Sunday night (5/31/2020).

McFarland said, "As Mayor, I recognize and fully support the right of people to peacefully assemble and demonstrate. The City is committed to securing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. "At the same time, others have engaged in unlawful activities that endanger peace and public safety. Safeguarding the lives of citizens, preventing significant damage to property, and protecting our law enforcement officers and emergency service providers is the reason I am declaring this local emergency."

The declaration comes after a peaceful vigil Sunday afternoon.

Governor Bill Lee said "The protests in Murfreesboro are no longer peaceful demonstrations but have escalated to overt threats to public safety and property. I support Mayor McFarland's 7 p.m. curfew and have authorized both the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the National Guard to provide support on the ground in restoring order for the safety of our citizens."

The Mayor issued the order pursuant to special emergency powers granted to local governments pursuant to state law. The order aids in the enforcement of the curfew through requests for mutual aid from other jurisdictions and by activating certain emergency-response provisions of the City Code.

Curfew To Be Lifted 5:00AM Monday

Main Street's Executive Director Sarah Callender told downtown business owners, "Law enforcement will be present throughout the evening, with a 6:30PM curfew until 5:00AM Monday morning. Thank you for the community spirit in helping each other prepare for the anticipated worse today. I am praying today's peaceful rally was all that will happen and everyone can wake up tomorrow saying, "thank goodness nothing happened."