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23 arrested during clashes over Washington Square Park curfew: NYPD

By AP Reporter
Updated  June 6, 2021 8:03pm EDT
Greenwich Village
Associated Press

Clashes in Washington Square Park

Authorities are hoping for calm tonight following last night's violent clashes between park-goers and police at Washington Square Park.

NEW YORK (AP) - Twenty-three people were arrested in clashes with NYPD officers enforcing a new 10 p.m. curfew in Washington Square Park, police said Sunday.

Videos posted on Twitter show a line of helmeted officers moving into the park to enforce the curfew Saturday night. Officers can be seen grabbing and pushing people as an order to disperse is announced.

A police spokesperson said eight officers suffered minor injuries while trying to clear the park. Most of the 23 people arrested were charged with disorderly conduct and given desk appearance tickets, the spokesperson said.

Clashes as NYPD disperses Washington Square Park crowds

Police in riot gear were seen entering New York’s Washington Square Park on Saturday, June 5, after a crowd remained in the park beyond a newly-imposed 10 p.m. curfew. Credit: @datainput via Storyful

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The 10 p.m. curfew was first instituted during Memorial Day weekend after some neighborhood residents complained of late-night noise and drug use. The move was criticized Sunday by multiple Democratic mayoral candidates on social media.

Weekend curfew begins at Washington Square Park

The NYPD is now enforcing a 10 p.m. curfew at Washington Square Park after complaints about drug use, excessive litter and disorderly crowds.

A spokesperson for the city Parks Department said Washington Square Park will close at 10 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights until further notice. The park is open until midnight Monday through Thursday.

"Enforced closures are focused on addressing large after hours gatherings, amplified sound, excessive trashing of the park and other conditions on weekends," the spokesperson, Crystal Howard, said in an email.