Protests started early downtown at the South Carolina Statehouse today amidst the outrage regarding the recent events in Minneapolis and George Floyd. What began as seemingly peaceful protests escalated as crowd made it's way to the Police Headquarters downtown. Columbia PD cars have been set on fire and with tensions high Mayor Steve Benjamin has announced a curfew for public safety in Downtown and the Vista effective as of 6pm in the following boundaries: Sumter to Pendleton Streets, Huger St to Elmwood Ave.