Curfew lifts in metro counties following shooting death of Daunte Wright

A curfew in place Monday night into Tuesday in four metro area counties has lifted.

The curfew was in place from 7 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

Prior to Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement about the curfew, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued a 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for their cities as well.

Exemptions to the curfew were issued for members of the press, law enforcement, emergency responders and those traveling to and from work.

Walz called for people to protest peacefully, but said they must leave before the curfew starts.

"These conversations about change must happen in our homes, in the streets, and they certainly must happen in the Legislature," Walz said.

The governor said many reforms enacted in other states have proven to work and Minnesota lawmakers at least need to be holding hearings on certain reforms. Walz mentioned routine traffic stops don’t need heavily armed officers responding but didn’t mention any other specific reforms he’d like to see Minnesota lawmakers discuss and pass.

Walz called it, "Simply not acceptable" that some lawmakers have blocked those hearings from happening.

The legislature passed police accountability bill last session. Gov. Walz says there are many more measures that could be taken that are “proven” to work in preventing these shootings. He did not give specifics. pic.twitter.com/UGlYoLRrLr

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) April 12, 2021

Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke said around 100 Minnesota National Guard members were deployed to help in Brooklyn Center Sunday night. As of Monday morning, about 500 guard members were activated under Operation Safety Net. That was expected to be over 1,000 by Monday night.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said officials decided to start the curfew at 7 p.m. because they’ve learned it’s easier to enforce when it starts before dark.

After the curfews were announced, organizers of a vigil for Daunte Wright moved the vigil to 6 p.m. Monday to comply. It will still be held near 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive in Brooklyn Center.

The Metro Transit will continue to operate bus and train services for passengers traveling to/from work and those seeking care or fleeing dangerous circumstances that were outlined in the curfew order. Customers should not travel for other purposes.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS and kstp.com as the story develops.