Vienna declares state of emergency, sets curfew after mass shooting
The curfew begins at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight after Friday and Saturday evenings, ending at 6 a.m.
VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The City of Vienna has declared a state of emergency and imposed a citywide curfew one day after a mass shooting at a neighborhood block party left two people dead and 35 others injured.
The state of emergency took effect at noon Monday and will remain in effect for 72 hours, through noon Thursday, unless it is rescinded, modified or extended.
The curfew applies throughout Vienna’s incorporated city limits.
Sunday through Thursday nights, the curfew begins at 10 p.m. and continues until 6 a.m. the following morning.
After Friday and Saturday evenings, the curfew begins at midnight and continues until 6 a.m.
During curfew hours, people are prohibited from remaining, traveling, gathering or otherwise being in public places unless authorized or exempt under the order.
Exemptions include people traveling directly to work, performing essential job duties, seeking medical care or emergency assistance, responding to an emergency or acting in an official capacity as an emergency responder, utility worker or government employee. The order also allows necessary travel involving airports, bus stations, railroad stations and other transportation facilities.
The order says the temporary restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of injury, violence, property damage and disorder while helping law enforcement and emergency personnel respond.
The order also allows the mayor to issue additional directives concerning businesses, events, public gatherings or other activities if needed during the emergency.
The curfew comes after Sunday morning’s shooting killed 21-year-old Ja’Quavion Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Jackson of Hawkinsville. The 35 surviving victims range in age from 14 to 51, according to Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy.
The GBI is leading the investigation. No arrests have been announced.
