Lincoln mayor addresses why protesters who broke curfew weren’t arrested

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on Tuesday addressed questions about why protesters who violated the city's curfew weren't arrested. 

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on Tuesday addressed questions about why protesters who violated the city’s curfew weren’t arrested.

“You know when there are many conflicting interest the priority must be on public safety and preventing injuries and damage to property,” she said. “The purpose of the curfew was not about arresting people, it’s not about arresting peaceful protesters but to protect them.”

Lincoln police cruisers blocked traffic from the area where the protesters gathered to protect them. They also helped facilitate safe passage for people down O Street.

Gaylor Baird said people who vandalized and attempted to loot a Target store were arrested. A total of 29 people were lodged in jail overnight, city officials said.

Gaylor Baird said a small number of “bad actors” are looking to take advantage of what’s going on. Members of law enforcement have echoed that statement, saying a majority of protesters have not caused any problems.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Hall of Justice Monday evening before marching to the state capitol where they continued to protest the death of George Floyd. Aside from two brief moments of tension – one where a bottle was thrown at a building and another where a group of protesters swarmed a man yelling about Scott Frost during a moment of silence – the protests remained peaceful.

The protest climaxed with a member of the Nebraska State Patrol kneeling for nine minutes with the protesters in silence to honor George Floyd.

“The events last night demonstrated there is a path forward for our community,” Gaylor Baird said.