DC enacts citywide curfew for minors after weeks of violence, unrest

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced a citywide curfew for anyone under the age of 18 beginning Saturday night in response to weeks of ongoing violence and unrest.

Bowser’s order which runs through Nov. 5 allows police to set up so-called “special zones”, or high risk areas where law enforcement can enforce curfews as early as 6 p.m.

DC police have also been authorized by the mayor to set up temporary curfew zones in areas where more than eight minors congregate, posing a potentially heightened threat to public safety.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the policy late Saturday. Getty Images

DC police can enforce curfews as early as 6 p.m. AFP via Getty Images

The curfew was announced following a violent clash between teens at the Navy Yard, where one 18-year-old and four minors were booked on charges including public marijuana use, affray and failure to obey.

One police officer was treated for injuries at the scene, according to officials.