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To consent to the Director of Emergency Management’s declaration that a local emergency exists in the city of Richmond due to ongoing instances of civil unrest beginning on May 29, 2020, in the city of Richmond.
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WHEREAS, beginning on May 29, 2020, protesters gathered in the city of Richmond in response to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man reportedly killed by a police officer in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, during these protests, there have been a number instances of unlawful activity resulting in injuries to peaceful protestors and first responders, significant property damage, and continued escalation of violent events in the city of Richmond; and
WHEREAS, on May 31, 2020, the Governor of Virginia issued Executive Order No. 64 (2020) declaring pursuant to sections 44-146.17 and 44-75.1 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, that a state of emergency exists as a result of instances of civil unrest beginning on May 29, 2020, in the city of Richmond, the city of Roanoke, and the county of Prince William, and specifically declared that the city of Richmond shall be under a curfew between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., beginning May 31, 2020, and ending June 3, 2020, at 6:00 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Richmond, as the City’s Director of Emergency Management, has declared a local emergency pursuant to section 44-146.21(A) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, as a result of the aforementioned instances of civil unrest beginning on May 29, 2020, in the city of Richmond; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Richmond desires now to consent, as required by section 44-146.21(A) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, to the Mayor’s declaration of this local emergency;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That in accordance with section 44-146.21(A) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the Council of the City of Richmond consents to the declaration made by the Mayor of the City of Richmond in his role as Director of Emergency Management that a local emergency exists in the city of Richmond due to the instances of civil unrest beginning on May 29, 2020, in the city of Richmond.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That, for the avoidance of doubt, the Council, by consenting to the Mayor’s declaration of such local emergency, has authorized the Mayor to exercise the powers set forth in section 44-146.21(C) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, during the period of such local emergency.