The City of West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles has declared a state of emergency and curfew due to civil unrest in Columbia near the Gervais Street Bridge.

The curfew is effective beginning at 6 PM, Sunday, until 6 AM, Monday. The Gervais Street Bridge is closed to all traffic until further notice. The following activities are prohibited during the curfew:

(1)  Be or travel upon any public street, alley or roadway or upon public property unless such travel is necessary to obtain medical assistance

(2)  Possess off one’s own premises, buy, sell, give away or otherwise transfer or dispose of any explosives, firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapon of any kind;(3)  Sell beer, wines or intoxicating beverages of any kind; or possess or consume the same off one’s own premises; or(4)  Sell gasoline or any other similar petroleum products or any other combustible or inflammable substances.

A person carrying a firearm on his or her own premises or in transit from his or her own premises to work or a place of shelter, or a CWP permit holder in compliance with state law is exempt from section 2-3-6(2) per the order of the Mayor.

The City of West Columbia is committed to the safety of its citizens, visitors, and businesses. Please report any suspicious activity to the West Columbia Police Department.