Ducey praises officers following Saturday night’s ‘looting and violence’
May 31, 2020, 11:41 AM | Updated: 4:55 pm
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, Pool)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Sunday commended the work of law enforcement following the protests and criminal activity that occurred in the Valley Saturday night.
In a press release, Ducey praised the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix Police Department, the Arizona National Guard and all supporting agencies that secured the downtown and freeways.
“One thing is clear: The more aggressive approach downtown was needed, and it worked,” he said.
“Now, more needs to be done, in more places around the state, to protect law and order and public safety. The looting and violence we saw last night, especially in Scottsdale, simply cannot be tolerated. And it won’t be.”
Ducey’s statement came after the Scottsdale Police Department announced it had made 12 arrests in connection to Saturday night’s criminal activity, according to a press release.
In a separate press release, the Phoenix Police Department announced it had made more than 100 arrests due to Saturday night’s criminal activity.
Around 11 p.m. Saturday night, Scottsdale police issued a declaration of unlawful assembly after damage and looting was inflicted upon businesses in Old Town Scottsdale including Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters and the Apple Store.
This has been declared an unlawful assembly. Anyone who refuses to disperse risks arrest. Please leave the area.
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) May 31, 2020
Sunday morning, the Scottsdale Police Department announced that Scottsdale’s Fashion Square — along with Camelback Road was also closed from Goldwater Boulevard to Scottsdale Road — would be closed for the day due to last night’s criminal activity.
As a result of last night’s criminal activity, Scottsdale’s Fashion Square Mall, as well as Camelback Rd from Goldwater Bl to Scottsdale Rd is CLOSED today. This area is to be avoided. Updates on last night’s activity will be provided later today. pic.twitter.com/GDclrlM0oC
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) May 31, 2020