NAACP calls for curfew

The Macon branch of the NAACP wants people under age 25 off Macon’s streets by 9:00 at night. Officials say drastic measures are needed in the wake of several shootings last weekend. They call the surge in gun crime a community emergency. Police suspect some of the shootings are gang-related. However, Macon Mayor Robert Reichert does not believe a curfew would be enforceable although he agrees the situation requires immediate attention.

Curfew imposed in Macon, Bibb counties

Macon and Bibb County are under a curfew as of 8 p.m. this evening until 6 a.m. Monday morning, Mayor Robert Reichert said at a press conference Sunday afternoon.

Law enforcement, medical and government administrative personnel are exempt from the curfew, and officials will allow residents to go home or to work, according to Andrew Blascovich, Reichert's director of external affairs. But Blascovich requested residents,

"...try to be cognizant of the areas that have been hard hit, and try to avoid them unless it's absolutely necessary," he said.

Reichert told reporters that the curfew was imposed to protect public safety, businesses and residences damaged by the severe weather. Authorities will decide Monday whether to extend the curfew, according to Macon.com.

Bibb County schools will be closed on Monday, according to Schools Superintendent Sharon Patterson, speaking at the press conference.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the storms that swept through the state overnight.