Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

The Australian city of Alice Springs has implemented an overnight curfew for residents under 18 following recent disruptive behavior.

The decision comes in the wake of unrest that erupted following the funeral of an 18-year-old, who died in a vehicle crash involving a car that had allegedly been stolen. The incident led to violent confrontations outside the Todd Tavern, with social media footage showing groups throwing bricks and attempting to breach the pub’s security while patrons sought shelter inside. NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy linked the violence to revived family conflicts, revealing that around 150 individuals were involved, resulting in five arrests and the seizure of at least 50 weapons. Murphy assured a decisive response to the disorder, promising, “The operation will be swift. We’ll identify who’s responsible and they’ll be delivered to the court where they can answer for their behaviors.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler announced an emergency measure that includes a youth curfew and additional police deployment. The curfew, effective from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting Wednesday night, will last for two weeks. Lawler expressed the community’s frustration at a news conference: “The community have had enough and so have I. We want Alice Springs to be a safe place.”

The situation has drawn national attention, with Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney and Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson both endorsing the curfew as a necessary step towards regaining peace. Burney expressed hope that the curfew would act as a “circuit breaker” to enhance community safety, while Paterson lamented the escalating violence, yearning for a return to normalcy.