Protest in downtown Phoenix Saturday night declared unlawful assembly

PHOENIX — Protesters returned to the streets of downtown Phoenix on Saturday for a third consecutive night.

Around 10:30 p.m., Phoenix police declared an unlawful assembly.

Just before that, loud bang sounds were heard after five hours of a mostly peaceful protest.

Not sure where those sounds are coming from but protestors are currently in front of the Phoenix Police headquarters. pic.twitter.com/08l9NwIGI1

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

The protests come in response to Monday’s deaths of Minnesotan George Floyd and Arizonan Dion Johnson at the hands of law enforcement.

Scottsdale also declared an unlawful assembly after a group of people damaged businesses in the area.

The group of protesters gathered at Phoenix City Hall with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees.

Happening right now protesters have started moving towards the state capital. pic.twitter.com/tSatJpNxLu

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

Protestors began marching west chanting “no justice, no peace” around 8:30 p.m.

Protestors are now chanting and marching towards the state capital. pic.twitter.com/dBn5br7O3v

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

.@PhoenixPolice is now preparing for the worst. Officers have started getting into riot gear as protestors have started walking in the middle of the street in downtown Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/7H2NeMaJrH

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

The Phoenix Police Department asked the crowd to disperse just after 9 p.m.

Right now in downtown Phoenix, two very different views. On one side protestors holding posters. On the other officers in full riot gear. pic.twitter.com/Tge31TIGW7

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

.@PhoenixPolice has now asked the crowd to disperse. A PHX PD chopper is flying overhead and officers have “less lethal” weapons in-hand in case things get worse. pic.twitter.com/c61qeNngym

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

Not sure where those sounds are coming from but protestors are currently in front of the Phoenix Police headquarters. pic.twitter.com/08l9NwIGI1

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

Gov. Doug Ducey tweeted just before 8 p.m. that the Arizona National Guard would be helping Phoenix Police and the Arizona departments of public safety and transportation.

Arizona’s finest are working overtime tonight: Firefighters and first responders fighting the #OcotilloFire. The fine men and women of the @AZNationalGuard, assisting the brave officers of @PhoenixPolice, @Arizona_DPS, @ArizonaDOT and agencies across the state… (1/2)

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020

Buildings around Phoenix were damaged again on Saturday night, as Talking Stick Resort arena and other local businesses were spray-painted.

On Friday, The Arizona Federal Theatre, FOX10 and other surrounding buildings being vandalized with graffiti, paint and broken windows.

Downtown Phoenix near Washington & 4th avenue this morning.

Arizona Federal Theatre & Sandra Day O’Connor courthouse building, among others, were vandalized. pic.twitter.com/vIAq6D6f5Z

— Tyler Bassett (@Tyler_Bassett) May 30, 2020

Eight Police vehicles also had the windows smashed and or tires slashed.

Due to criminal activity and danger to the community, the Phoenix Police declared an unlawful assembly just before 11 p.m. on Friday.

The damage from Friday cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Police Chief Jerri Williams.

Mayor Kate Gallego, Williams and other City of Phoenix officials held a press conference on Saturday afternoon attempting to prevent a repeat of Friday and warn people that violent protestors will not be tolerated.

“Be clear,” Williams said. “As we defend the rights of demonstrators to share their message, we will not tolerate criminal activity.”

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