The City of Cayce Saturday enacted a curfew after rioting across the river in Columbia.

Columbia enacted a similar curfew after people and police officers were injured by rioters, stores were damaged in the Vista area and a confrontation with law enforcement took place at the Columbia Police Department.

The City of West Columbia issued a curfew ending Sunday morning.

What began as a peaceful Statehouse protest over the killing of unarmed George Floyd in Minneapolis turned into a riot later on.

Stores and restaurants were damaged by bricks and other thrown objects.

A WIS-TV reporter was hit in the head, but she is home resting at last report.

The popular, familyowned Blue Marlin Restaurant was damaged.

Owners Bill and Ryan Dukes of Chapin sent their employees home for their own safety.

Ryan Dukes told WLTX that the Blue Marlin will be closed Sunday, but they plan to reopen Monday.

Police reportedly were searching for 3 men after shots were fired Saturday night. The Columbia curfew

The Columbia curfew was bounded by Sumter, Huger, Gervais and Elmwood streets.

Anyone arrested for violating it could face a $500 fine and/or a week in jail.

State Sen. Dick Harpootlian said, “When thousands peacefully marched [Saturday] afternoon and sang Amazing Grace to honor Mr. Floyd and protest this systemic injustice, our city showed what is good and just about America.

“Sadly, after the protest moved to the Columbia Police Department headquarters, a handful of criminal agitators engaged in vandalism, theft, and violence that left vehicles charred, windows broken, and 12 CPD officers injured.

“The unlawful acts of these few risked undermining the legitimate grievances and peaceful demands of the many.

“We cannot let that happen.”

The city-wide Cayce curfew began at 8:30 pm Sunday restricting travel until 6 am Monday with the exception of individuals traveling to and from work, for work purposes or for healthcare.

Anyone violating provisions of the ordinance would be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, Cayce officials said.

Cayce Mayor Elise Partin said, “Our Cayce businesses ... have all been incredibly supportive of this initiative for the safety of our citizens, their property and to provide our assistance in ensuring safety across the Midlands.”

City Manager Tracy Hegler said Cayce was prepared to close the Blossom Street Bridge as a safety measure.