A Massachusetts city home to the largest Cape Verdean community in the US has installed a safety curfew ahead of Friday’s World Cup match hoping to tamp down a rash of stabbings and shootings that has marred the island team’s epic run.
Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues told the public in a statement Thursday that he would impose the “temporary safety curfew” to protect public safety and reduce criminal activity “associated with post-game celebrations.”
Cape Verde faces Argentina Friday and fans have been reveling in the African country’s historic run at the World Cup — as the smallest nation ever to advance to the knockout round.
“Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe,” said Rodrigues.
The team’s success has sparked enormous celebrations across the northeastern city, which is often referred to as the “11th island” of Cape Verde.
But a spate of violence has dampened the festivities with at least nine people shot, two people stabbed and 75 arrests made across multiple nights of unrest.
The safety curfew — which will run from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday — will enable first responders to maintain order in case of emergencies.
The city has also barred entrance to establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m., with last call scheduled for around 9:30 p.m.
“First responders, individuals traveling directly to or from law enforcement, individuals seeking medical care, persons responding to emergencies or acting under official government authorization and any other persons specifically authorized by the Brockton Police Department,” are exempt from the curfew, according to the mayor’s office.
Brockton’s Emergency Management Agency has requested assistance from the National Guard, but it is not known if the request has been approved, according to NBC News.
