Little Rock Mayor Seeks Expanded Curfew for Minors After Downtown Shooting

The proposed curfew would run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in response to recent reports of illegal activity by young people.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on the ground, lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a recent downtown shooting incident.The aftermath of a weekend shooting near Little Rock's River Market district highlights the city's ongoing challenges with gun violence and public safety.Little Rock Today

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. will ask the city's Board of Directors to authorize an expanded citywide curfew for minors from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, following a shooting over the weekend near the city's River Market District that injured a 21-year-old. The mayor cited recent reports of illegal activity by young people as the reason for the proposed curfew expansion.

Why it matters

Little Rock has struggled with gun violence and public safety concerns in its downtown entertainment districts, with previous shootings near the River Market area prompting the city to implement temporary curfews in the past. The mayor's push for an expanded curfew reflects an ongoing effort to address crime and perceptions of crime in the city's urban core.

The details

The proposed curfew would expand Little Rock's existing minor curfew, which currently runs from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The new curfew would apply the later hours to Fridays and Saturdays as well. Minors are already barred from being out in entertainment districts like the River Market from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.

  • The shooting occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • If approved, the expanded curfew would begin this Friday, April 18, 2026 and run through September 6, 2026.

The players

Frank Scott Jr.

The mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, who is proposing the expanded curfew for minors.

Ross Weaver

A 21-year-old from Arlington, Texas who was injured in the downtown shooting near the River Market District.

Little Rock Board of Directors

The city governing body that will consider Mayor Scott's request for the expanded curfew.

Little Rock Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the downtown shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“It is unfortunate but necessary for us to implement this curfew as we take additional steps to protect our residents, guests, and merchants. We are making significant progress in reducing crime and changing the perception of crime in Little Rock. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to make sure our young people enjoy their weekends safely and that they abide by this curfew.”

— Frank Scott Jr., Mayor of Little Rock

What’s next

The Little Rock Board of Directors will hold a special-called meeting later this week to consider Mayor Scott's proposal for the expanded curfew. If approved, the new curfew hours would go into effect this Friday, April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Little Rock's ongoing efforts to address crime and public safety concerns in its downtown entertainment districts have led the mayor to propose an expanded curfew for minors, reflecting the city's struggle to balance economic development, community safety, and youth engagement.