Protesters return to downtown Phoenix for 16th consecutive day

PHOENIX — Metro Phoenix protesters returned to downtown Friday for the 16th consecutive day of protests in the Valley.

Local organizers have been leading protests against police brutality and racial inequality in Phoenix and across the Valley in the wake of Dion Johnson’s in-custody death in Phoenix and George Floyd’s in-custody death in Minnesota.

Protesters spent Thursday in Tempe to march to City Hall where city council members were scheduled to vote on Tempe’s annual budget.

The Tempe City Council delayed the vote until July 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Phoenix police have made zero arrests in connection to demonstrations since May 31.

7:22 p.m.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Peter Samore said protesters are starting to disperse from downtown Phoenix.

6:32 p.m.

Protesters arrived at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza at the Arizona State Capitol, according to Samore. They have previously called for Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to remove the Confederate monument.

6:25 p.m.

Protesters continued to make their way towards the capitol. They could be heard chanting, “Black Lives Matter.”

Chants range from “no justice no peace” to “no racist police” on 16th night of marches. #GeorgeFloyd #dionjohnson @PhoenixPolice again provide security. LIVE @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/6XMFqFDPYb

— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) June 13, 2020

6:04 p.m.

Protesters prepared to leave City Hall and head to the Arizona State Capitol.

5:40 p.m.

Protesters started to arrive at City Hall in downtown Phoenix for Friday’s march.

4:50 p.m.

A handful of people gathered at Hillsong Church in downtown Phoenix where elected officials spoke to protesters before planning to march to City Hall.

Samore said the officials discussed equipping all police officers throughout the state with body cameras and opening up more educational opportunities for African Americans.

Before protesters march for 16th night in a row – DT #PHX tonight – they hear from candidates for various offices. They call for things like body cameras on police and fighting ignorance. They also say #vote. @KTAR923 https://t.co/OCUp2w7hvf pic.twitter.com/NsG4KQd26x

— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) June 13, 2020

11:43 a.m.

Protesters will gather at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. for Friday’s march. Organizers said the march would be over by 8 p.m.

Mask up and come out and support #JusticeforDion #DefundThePolice pic.twitter.com/pNYmlWvHg5

— The W.E. Rising Project (@WERisingProject) June 12, 2020

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