Mayor Lumumba extends city’s stay-at-home order; defends suspension of open carry

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is extending the city’s stay-at-home order.

The new order goes through Friday, May 15.

Lumumba added these changes to the new order:

• Non-essential retail stores, malls, grooming businesses must stay closed, but can do drive-thru, curbside pickup and delivery services
• Employees must wear a face mask and follow social distancing rules
• Hand sanitizer must be on-site at any business and employees must frequently wash hands

Lumumba said the move was done with the advice of health experts.

The order is on top of the governor’s shelter-in-place order. Lumumba says Reeves’ order is a minimum action and mayors have the ability to put more restrictions in place.

Lumumba also made a statement about his suspension of open carry. He brought Mothers Demand Action out and said they support his executive order.

The mayor’s executive order has since expired in accordance with the civil emergency that was in place.

Lumumba says since January 1, 2019, Jackson Police have responded to 94 calls of convicted felons in possession of a gun.

“This senseless gun violence has plagued our city for far too long,” he said.

He says the city must admit they are not doing enough to curb gun violence.

“The residents of Jackson and the police department are fighting a battle with their hands tied behind their backs,” he said.

Lumumba said he has no objection to the second amendment but has a problem with illegal gun owners and said open carry law makes it harder to enforce that.

“Even if no one is standing with me, I will continue to fight for the lives of all Jackson residents.”

Copyright 2020 WLBT. All rights reserved.