Protesters head to Tempe for 15th consecutive day of demonstrations

PHOENIX — Protesters gathered in Tempe on Thursday for the 15th consecutive day of demonstrations in the Valley in response to the deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota and Dion Johnson in Phoenix.

Demonstrators met at 4:30 p.m. at Tempe Beach Park before their planned march to the City Council where a vote is scheduled on the annual budget.

Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro is calling for $22.5 million to be reallocated from police and fire to childhood education, public transit and housing.

Protests throughout the Valley have been peaceful recently. Phoenix police have made zero arrests in connection to demonstrations since May 31.

9:14 p.m.

The Mesa Police Department confirmed in an email to KTAR News 92.3 FM that the department made zero arrests Thursday night in connection to the protests.

7:40 p.m.

Protesters gathered and chanted outside of the Tempe Police Department headquarters building.

*WARNING EXPLICIT LANGUAGE* This is protesters outside of Tempe police headquarters. They also chanted “stop killing kids” in reference to the death of Antonio Arce January 2019. pic.twitter.com/kiaJAbhvGP

— Taylor Kinnerup (@TaylorKinnerup) June 12, 2020

6:57 p.m.

The Tempe City Council announced it has delayed the budget vote until July 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Kinnerup.

#UPDATE Tempe City Council:
– will delay the budget vote to July 25 (saying this is due to Coronavirus)
– took nearly a 9 minute moment of silence in honor of George Floyd
– Declared June 19th (Juneteenth) a city holiday

— Taylor Kinnerup (@TaylorKinnerup) June 12, 2020

5:48 p.m.

Protesters began marching toward Mill Avenue.

Hundreds headed towards Mill Avenue with the sounds of chanting, clapping and (what else) tambourines filling the air. pic.twitter.com/V8wxC5NY4q

— Taylor Kinnerup (@TaylorKinnerup) June 12, 2020

5:22 p.m.

Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 individuals had gathered at Tempe Beach Park while more continued to arrive, Kinnerup reported.

I would say 1,000-1,200 people already here and many are still arriving. Plus, the Tempe City Council meeting is virtual, many will likely make public comment that are not in attendance here. pic.twitter.com/jui5D1OLpK

— Taylor Kinnerup (@TaylorKinnerup) June 12, 2020

4:30 p.m.

Protesters met at Tempe Beach Park ahead of their planned march to City Hall where council members are scheduled to vote on the annual budget, KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup reported.

Hundreds gathered at Tempe Beach Park leading up to the Tempe City Council meeting tonight where they will vote on their annual budget. @blmphxmetro wants to see $22.5 million reallocated from police and fire to pre-k education, public transit and housing @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/29MhW6xkcH

— Taylor Kinnerup (@TaylorKinnerup) June 11, 2020

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