Kenosha County ends state of emergency curfew

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Kenosha County has ended its state of emergency curfew as of Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Officials say the decision came after consultation with law enforcement and community leaders. 

“After consulting with local law enforcement agencies, I have decided the curfew is no longer needed," Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian said. "The last several nights have been relatively peaceful in the community, and in the judgment of law enforcement, it is appropriate to remove the curfew. However, criminal activity will not be tolerated and arrests will be made if needed. I am hopeful there will be no need to reinstate the curfew in the near future.”

The curfew has been in place for more than a week since the police shooting of Jacob Blake. The curfew has also been lifted a day after news a civil rights lawsuit is being filed against the City of Kenosha and Kenosha County surrounding the curfew. Documents state the Kenosha Police and the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office have arrested more than 150 peaceful protesters for violating the curfew order, but have not arrested pro-police demonstrators for the same violation. 

The curfew being lifted also comes a day before former Vice President Joe Biden plans to visit Kenosha. The Biden campaign said Biden will hold a community meeting in Kenosha and then make a local stop. Jill Biden will also visit.