Several US cities impose curfews to combat teen "invasion"

Several cities across the United States are imposing curfews to combat what they call "gangs," which are characterized by large groups of young people gathering in public spaces after being urged to do so on social media. Such gatherings have sometimes resulted in violence, arrests, and even deaths.

The city of Charlotte, North Carolina, is considering imposing a curfew that would ban anyone under the age of 18 from going out after 9 p.m. City Councilman Dante Anderson told CBS News on Aug. 13 that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has recorded more than 40 such incidents since May. Anderson said the measure is aimed at young people who gather in large groups in public places. He cited the recent shooting of a 15-year-old as an example of the violence that has been seen at these gatherings. “This ban is not only for the city, but first and foremost for the protection of the young people themselves,” Anderson said.

A July 10 youth gathering at the University City Boardwalk in Charlotte resulted in 12 arrests and 10 citations to parents. Police estimated that 200 to 300 youths gathered in the area. Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson introduced a proposal at a city council meeting this week to set an earlier curfew than is currently in effect. Currently, children under 13 are prohibited from going out after 10 p.m., and those 13 to 15 are prohibited from going out after 11 p.m. “I’m very concerned that if we don’t get these gatherings under control, the consequences could be catastrophic,” Patterson said.

In Florida, leaders like Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins are taking a different approach to the problem. A July 4th gathering in Pensacola ended in tragedy. Police say seven people were shot and a 19-year-old man was killed. Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Pensacola, some of whom were fighting and setting off fireworks. “Accountability is the first thing we can do,” Collins said. “We want to hold accountable those who are putting people at risk by organizing these events. We want no one to get hurt. Parents, please make sure your kids are doing the right thing.”

Earlier, it was reported that a 9th grader in Thailand went on a shooting spree at a school, killing 7 people. He had shot and killed his grandparents at home before the attack.