Milwaukee to Enforce Curfew in Wake of Unrest

Curfew starts at 10 p.m. for teenagers.

ByABC News
August 15, 2016, 2:34 PM

— -- A curfew for teenagers will be enforced on the streets of Milwaukee tonight starting at 10 p.m. in the wake of the civil unrest that has overtaken parts of the city, Mayor Tom Barrett said.

Milwaukee police sparred with protesters, activists and rioters in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee over the weekend and into early Monday morning, making 14 arrests.

Sherman Park has a large African-American population.

    One shooting victim, an 18-year-old male, and at least one officer were taken to the hospital, authorities said. About 30 shots were fired, and three squad cars were damaged with one set on fire, according to Police Chief Ed Flynn. Seven officers were injured, he said.

    Flynn and Barrett, who spoke to the press after attending the Milwaukee Police Department's swearing-in ceremony for new police recruits, painted a portrait of disorder on the streets of Sherman Park, and noted that officers were struck with flying rocks and bricks to the hands, knees, ankles and shoulders.

    Two officers suffered from glass fragments in their eyes after a rock went through the windshield of their squad car, Flynn said.

    The skirmishes began on Saturday after a Milwaukee officer fatally shot a 23-year-old man, whom officials say was armed and had a criminal record. There were 17 arrests made on Saturday night, police said.

    The confrontations continued overnight and resumed on Sunday night.

    Earlier on Sunday, the Wisconsin National Guard was activated, and 125 personnel were sent to the city. Mayor Barrett specified that they were activated to help with the situation but "not deployed."

    "Following a request from Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, and after discussions with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Adjutant General Donald Dunbar I have activated the Wisconsin National Guard to be in a position to aid local law enforcement upon request," Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said in a statement.

    Barrett also addressed questions about body camera footage of the shooting victim and said he saw a still image that demonstrated the individual was armed. He said that footage was under review by state officials and that it would be released to the public at "some later point."

    Earlier on Sunday, White House Deputy Press Secretary Jen Friedman said President Obama had been briefed on the events that took place in Milwaukee.

    Prior to today's news conference, an atmosphere or gravity hung over the swearing-in ceremony for new recruits, due to violence that had taken place in the city over the weekend.

    Barrett addressed the violence obliquely while speaking to the recruits, and praised the work of police officers.

    "You have chosen an incredible path," he said.

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