Jackson mayor orders curfew for youth as crime surges

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The mayor of Mississippi’s largest city has ordered a curfew for young people in a bid to curb crime.

The curfew for all Jackson residents under 18 went into effect Thursday night, The Clarion Ledger reported.

The curfew means it’s unlawful for young people to remain on public streets or in other public places from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The mayor’s plan calls for the curfew to last nearly a week.

The curfew is aimed at promoting health and safety amid rising gun violence in the city, the mayor’s office said in a statement.

“I am concerned for our city and I am worried for the safety of all of our residents,” Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said.

“Keeping our youth off the streets during these late hours is intended to keep them out of harm’s way,” he said. “It is for their protection. We must make all efforts for the health and welfare of our city.”