Mayor: Violent protests would further injure local businesses

Photo caption: Mayor Vi Lyles speaks at the plaza outside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center – Ken Brown/City of Charlotte. Article by Erik Spanberg. 

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles urged protesters Saturday afternoon to do so peacefully — first and foremost to protect everyone and, secondarily, to avoid putting additional pressure on businesses already hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hours of tense, angry protests Friday night spurred the city and Mecklenburg County to declare a state of emergency. Lyles, during an afternoon press conference that included members of City Council standing behind her in solidarity, said no curfews are being imposed but could be if warranted.

Protests in west Charlotte included looting at a cell-phone store and a Food Lion next door. […]

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