Today, Mayor Patricia M. Randall signed a local state of emergency following several incidents of violence in Kalamazoo County last night. In light of the violence by outside groups not affiliated with the peaceful demonstrations in the City of Kalamazoo, a curfew is in effect from 7 PM on June 2 through 5 AM on June 3 in the City of Portage. This follows similar declarations by Kalamazoo County and the City of Kalamazoo.
Residents can be assured that the City Administration and the Portage Department of Public Safety are closely monitoring events occurring in the region and working with local partner agencies to safeguard Portage residents and businesses. “We are taking these precautions based on violent activity overnight in the City of Kalamazoo,” said City Manager Joe La Margo. “The curfew will be enforced by the Portage Department of Public Safety.” Exceptions to the curfew include individuals driving to and from work, seeking medical care or fleeing dangerous circumstances, as well as federal, state and local officials conducting business.
Mayor Patricia M. Randall said, “I am a firm supporter of the First Amendment and the right to peacefully assemble. The city continues to monitor the situation to ensure that all of our residents, visitors and the business community are safe.”
