GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- The City of Green Bay has extended its city-wide curfew until Monday morning. This comes after an 8-4 vote during Tuesday night's Common Council meeting.
The curfew will remain in effect starting at 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. until the morning of June 8th. Some alderpersons NBC 26 talked with said they felt there was a good discussion on the topic during the meeting.
"I think our role as City Council is to take feedback not only from members of the public but from those in public safety and we have to weigh that feedback. Really, the decision boils down to: do we feel there is an imminent risk that is still presented to our community, or do we feel that's subsided? And I do believe it has subsided which is why I voted not to extend," said Alderman Brian Johnson.
Alderman Randy Scannell voted to extend the order.
"It's not like we're stopping people from protesting or diminishing it. We want those voices heard. They need to be heard, but there should be parameters," said Scannell.
Scannell also said he supports protesting and standing up for social justice. He said he marched with protesters on Sunday.
Dajahnae Williams said she attended the council meeting via Zoom and that she's disappointed in the decision.
"I'm upset about it. I'm angry about it. I don't feel like they were listening to the people," added Williams.
Williams said she's expecting a large crowd marching in Green Bay on Sunday and added that she's encouraging people to stay peaceful and safe.
"I can only imagine how many more are going to join now that they're outraged, and they're upset, and they're hurt, and they're heartbroken. I'm heartbroken that they would do this to us," said Williams.
Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith said they believe the curfew extension is in the best interest of public safety.
"We saw what happened at the Marathon station Sunday night. We don't want to have a repeat of something like that happening," said Chief Smith. "Make no mistake, I completely support people's right to protest. I completely support people's right to have their voices heard, and we think people are certainly able to do that throughout the day and into early evening hours."
He added that he expects voluntary compliance. Chief Smith said people are still able to leave their house during the curfew to do things like go to the store, work, or even to a restaurant or tavern. He said what they don't want to see are groups of people at intersections, stopping traffic, etc.
"This is the best of both worlds, really. You have plenty of time during the day and evening hours to protest. At night when people are sleeping, children are sleeping, and people want to be able to get from place to place, they should be able to do that," added Chief Smith. "I think this 9 o'clock curfew strikes a really nice balance so people can do the protesting and can have their voices hear and still be respectful for the rest of the community."
