State of emergency declared in Stanislaus County amid protests over George Floyd’s death
Stanislaus County issued a state of emergency Wednesday in the wake of the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while in police custody in Minnesota, an incident that has sparked civil unrest across the United States.
Sheriff Jeff Dirkse said in a news release that the emergency proclamation is “primarily an administrative tool” for Stanislaus County “to access state resources as well as activate the State Emergency Services Act, which helps to facilitate (a) coordinated response throughout the County if needed.”
The release states the state of emergency proclamation “allows the county to apply for state and federal funding for law enforcement efforts to ensure public safety, including keeping safe those peacefully speaking out against racism and demonstrating for justice.”
Dirkse said officials expect to see more peaceful demonstrations throughout Stanislaus County this week and do not expect them to become violent “unless instigated by outside influencers.”
The release states there is no curfew in Stanislaus County, and local law enforcement agencies have no desire to impose one unless it becomes necessary.
There have been demonstrations and protests throughout Stanislaus County since Floyd’s death. He died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. That officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged. Three other officers were charged Wednesday in Floyd’s death. The four officers have been fired from their jobs.
A demonstration in Oakdale on Wednesday drew several hundred people and tension flared up between demonstrators and counter-demonstrators, leading to multiple arrests at the end of what was a peaceful protest. And a Modesto demonstration Sunday drew about 1,000 people, but it ended with clashes between some demonstrators and police. A police spokeswoman has said 16 people were arrested.
There also was a demonstration Sunday in Patterson that drew about 50 people. And four windows at Turlock City Hall were broken late Tuesday after a group held a memorial for Floyd at City Hall.
Some businesses, including Vintage Faire Mall, have closed early because of rumors and social media posts about the threat of looting.
The state of emergency remains in place for the next seven days unless extended by the county Board of Supervisors, according to the proclamation.
This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
