Phoenix Police arrest more than 100 people following Saturday’s unrest

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department on Sunday morning said more than 100 arrests were made after an unlawful assembly was declared in downtown Phoenix late Saturday evening.

Charges include rioting, unlawful assembly and aggravated assault of a police officer, according to a press release.

HAPPENING NOW: A combination of fireworks and some type of gas shot by Phoenix police in-front of the Phoenix Police headquarters. Protestors asked to leave, unlawful assembly declared. pic.twitter.com/iHcXduvUHn

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

The department said people remained in the city until 3:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Saturday marked the third consecutive night in which protests took place in the Valley in response to Monday’s death of Minnesotan George Floyd and Arizonan Dion Johnson at the hands of law enforcement.

The protests in the daylight were generally peaceful.

A peaceful group of protesters now walking towards PHX city hall from the state’s capital. A Phoenix police officer tells me there are easily over 100 people at this moment. pic.twitter.com/NgjZPewSpL

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

Multiple buildings around the city, including Talking Stick Resort Arena, were damaged with spray-paint and or broken windows.

Protesters spray paint and break a window to the Sandra Day O’ Connor U.S. Courthouse as a female asks them to please stop and continue peacefully protesting. pic.twitter.com/dTpNaeqtfE

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) May 31, 2020

It was the second consecutive day buildings were damaged during the late-night hours, as The Arizona Federal Theatre, FOX10 and other surrounding buildings were vandalized on Friday.

Earlier in the day on Saturday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Police Chief Jerri Williams and other City of Phoenix officials held a press conference and warned action would be taken against violent protesters.

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

Williams estimated the damage on Friday night cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A riot also took place in the East Valley, as stores at Scottsdale Fashion Square were vandalized.

Videos show individuals breaking into Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters and the Apple Store.

Looters, not protesters, all teens and young adults, breaking into businesses and stealing from Scottsdale fashion Square. Shattered glass, stolen clothes cover the ground. Live at 11 PM ⁦@KTAR923⁩ pic.twitter.com/AtDLS4CPme

— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) May 31, 2020

Here is the moment the crowd broke the door to the Apple Store at Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale and ran inside. pic.twitter.com/3IaZZ4b6NX

— Josh Frigerio, ABC15 Arizona (@JoshFrigerio) May 31, 2020

The incident began around 10 p.m. and the Scottsdale Police Department declared the gathering to be an unlawful assembly just before 11 p.m.

Phoenix police are asking individuals who have information on those who were involved in the crimes to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377).

Officers are continuing to process evidence and obtain additional information.

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