Colorado Springs mayor enacts 10 p.m. curfew in response to violent protests

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Mayor John Suthers says Colorado Springs has enacted a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in response to protests that have turned violent in recent days.

Suthers is providing comment Wednesday on the protests that have taken place in Colorado Springs over the past five days in the wake of George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis.

Watch below starting around 11:30 a.m.:

Suthers said protests have resulted in thousands of dollars in damage, including $5000 damage to an armored vehicle windshield, damage to CSPD police vehicles, 14 windows broken at the county courthouse and 75 locations with graffiti.

"I do think [the curfew is] in the interest of public safety and the safety of officers, protesters and property owners," Suthers said.

He explains the curfew is a results of violent confrontations between demonstrators and police over the last few nights in Colorado Springs.

"We've had crowds attempt to breach barricades. We've had rocks, bricks, bottles and firecrackers thrown at police officers not only endangering them but also members of the crowd," the Mayor said.

Colorado Springs officers will enforce the curfew. It is in effect until 5 a.m. Monday but could be extended, the mayor said.

While he hopes people comply he says, "we're not naive about it obviously Denver has had a curfew, a system I think in some respect giving a message to peaceful protestors that want to be peaceful, that want to be involved."

Some protestors didn't like hearing they'd have a deadline.

"We don't get to decide that your rights stop at this time on this day, at any point in time, we should be able to voice our opinion," said Brandon Williams.

Others like Alexandra Messitidis she comes during the day hoping her message isn't misconstrued.

"A lot of me and my friends come out during the daylight, so people can see us," she explains, "I think when it comes to people at night, people like to hide a bit and things are put to the side."

Emergency personnel, media members, and military members are exempt from the curfew.