A state of emergency declaration has been issued by town of Vestal supervisor John Schaffer.

According to the statement posted on the town's website, the action was taken "due to threats of violence and civil unrest" within the town. The message said "this situation threatens the public safety."

The state of emergency was effective at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, It was issued as hundreds of people marched in Binghamton calling for racial justice following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

No incidents were reported during a gathering of demonstrators at Recreation Park on the city's West Side.

The crowd marched from the park along Main Street and Court Street to the Governmental Plaza.

Binghamton police reportedly were assisted by about 20 New York state troopers, as well as officers from other Broome County law enforcement agencies.

Schaffer could not be reached to discuss what specific information prompted the emergency declaration.

In the order, Schaffer directed all town departments "to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary."

2020.05.31 VESTAL-EMERGENCY
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