Peaceful protest for Breonna Taylor, Dion Johnson planned in Phoenix

PHOENIX – A candlelight vigil honoring the memories of Breonna Taylor and Dion Johnson is set to take place Thursday night at Phoenix City Hall Plaza.

The 8 p.m. vigil comes after it was revealed this week that the officers involved in the shootings of Taylor and Johnson will not face charges directed related to either’s death.

Protests exploded in Louisville Wednesday night, after the Kentucky grand jury’s announcement in Taylor’s case. Two police officers were shot and 46 arrests were made for damaging property and unlawful assembly.

Prosecutors in Maricopa County said Tuesday that they will not be charging the Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper who shot and killed Johnson on Loop 101 in Phoenix on Memorial Day, citing self-defense.

Thursday night’s gathering has been coordinated by the W.E. Rising Project and will be “strictly nonviolent,” the organization said in social media posts.

TOMORROW. We gather for Dion, Breonna, James, Muhammad.. the list goes on..

It’s time for the next step. The political power is in our hands, Phoenix. Change starts with us. One city at a time. Spread the word. pic.twitter.com/CeMoNGomJl

— The W.E. Rising Project (@WERisingProject) September 23, 2020

W.E. Rising Project is “a movement who is creating systemic change through peaceful protests and legislature,” according to the group’s Facebook page.

The organization and other social activists held numerous marches June through August in Phoenix to protest police brutality and advocate for defunding the police.

Ahead of the Phoenix protest, police reminded potential participants of peaceful protest guidelines to ensure public safety while preserving their First Amendment rights.

Protest activities that could lead to potential arrest include blocking traffic, throwing objects such as water bottles, rocks or bricks at officers, and interfering with the arrests of others, police said.

As our community experiences public demonstrations, we want to share guiding principles the Phoenix Police Department follows as we protect the First Amendment rights to organize in peaceful assemblies. You can read more: https://t.co/l42yQMUBgL pic.twitter.com/Fsq5fRcWOC

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) September 24, 2020

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