ARIZONA NEWS
Ducey issues statewide Declaration of Emergency, curfew until June 8
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued a statewide emergency declaration and announced a curfew that will take effect at 8 p.m. Sunday.
The curfew will be lifted each morning 5 a.m. until it is set to expire on June 8, according to a press release.
The Declaration of State of Emergency States: “During the hours of curfew, all persons are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling or being present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel, with the following exemptions:
- “1. All law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics or other medical personnel, National Guard, as well as any other emergency response personnel authorized by the State of Arizona, and credentialed members of the media.
- “2. Individuals traveling directly to and from work; attending religious services; commercial trucking and delivery services; obtaining food; caring for a family member, friend, or animal; patronizing or operating private businesses; seeking medical care or fleeing dangerous circumstances; and travel for any of the above services.”
The governor initially announced the emergency declaration and curfew in a series of tweets, stating that the decision was made in coordination with law enforcement officials.
NOTICE:
At the request of local leaders and in coordination with state and local law enforcement, I’m issuing a statewide Declaration of Emergency, with a curfew in place starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight and effective for one week. 1/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020
“This gives law enforcement an additional tool to prevent the lawlessness we’ve seen here and in cities nationwide,” he added.
This gives law enforcement an additional tool to prevent the lawlessness we’ve seen here and in cities nationwide. Police will be equipped to make arrests of individuals who are planning to riot, loot or cause damage and unrest. 2/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020
“Today’s declaration also authorizes an expanded National Guard mobilization to protect life and property throughout the state. Our office will continue to communicate with local law enforcement to provide whatever resources we can.”
Ducey’s announcement follows Saturday night’s unrest, which caused police departments in both Phoenix and Scottsdale to issue orders of unlawful assembly.
Today’s declaration also authorizes an expanded National Guard mobilization to protect life and property throughout the state. Our office will continue to communicate with local law enforcement to provide whatever resources we can. 3/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020
The Phoenix Police Department made more than 100 arrests following Saturday’s unrest, according to a press release.
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
In a separate release, the Scottsdale Police announced they had made 12 arrests following damage and looting that was inflicted upon several businesses in Old Town Scottsdale.
Prior to announcing the emergency declaration and curfew order, Ducey issued a press release in which he praised the conduct of Arizona law enforcement amid Saturday night’s protests and criminal activity.
The governor specifically praised the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix Police Department, the Arizona National Guard and all supporting agencies that helped secure the downtown and freeways.
“More needs to be done, in more places around the state, to protect law and order and public safety,” Ducey said in the release.
“The looting and violence we saw last night, especially in Scottsdale, simply cannot be tolerated. And it won’t be.”
Also prior to announcing the emergency declaration, Ducey tweeted he had been working with mayors across the state to ensure they had protocols in place to thwart violence and looting.
Been contacting mayors across Arizona today to ensure they have proactive plans to prevent looting and violence in their cities tonight and in days to come. This is why we sought public office. It’s time for leadership, vigilance and action. pic.twitter.com/Amlb8e8o8N
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020
Sunday Morning, the Scottsdale Police Department announced that Scottsdale’s Fashion Square would be closed for the day due to last night’s criminal activity.
Scottsdale police also announced that Camelback Road would also be closed closed from Goldwater Boulevard to Scottsdale Road on Sunday.
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
Multiple stores at Fashion Square Mall were damaged by looters Saturday night around 10 p.m. including Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters and the Apple Store.
Saturday evening marked the third night in a row protesters took to the streets throughout the Valley.
The initially peaceful protests came in response to Monday’s deaths of Minnesotan George Floyd and Arizonan Dion Johnson at the hands of law enforcement.
