Phoenix protesters return to downtown area for 5th consecutive night

PHOENIX — Protesters returned on Monday to the downtown Phoenix area for the fifth consecutive night in response to the deaths George Floyd in Minnesota and Dion Johnson in Phoenix.

Earlier Monday, President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the U.S. military unless states took action to effectively halt violent protests.

In Arizona, Gov. Doug Ducey ordered an 8 p.m. statewide curfew that began Sunday and will be lifted each morning at 5 a.m until it is scheduled to expire on June 8.

9:30 p.m.

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams announced during a press conference that there had been zero arrests in connection to Monday night’s protests.

Tuesday update from Town of Queen Creek: MCSO verified that there was no activity related to protests or riots in the town of Queen Creek Monday night.

9:01 p.m.

Reports of authorities receiving calls that individuals were attempting to take over a Dollar Store at the Queen Creek Marketplace.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office received more calls around the southeast Valley suburb but around 11 p.m. Queen Creek Town Council member Jeff Brown said in a Facebook post the calls all appeared to be pranks.

“Business areas are all quiet at this time,” he wrote.

7:55 p.m.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Peter Samore reported that most of the few remaining protesters began leaving the downtown area.

Final protesters leaving downtown as #curfew begins in five minutes. May be a few stragglers hiding on the streets that armed @PhoenixPolice have closed. Stay with @KTAR923 LIVE. pic.twitter.com/PXxj9yt4AC

— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) June 2, 2020

At the intersection of West Adams Street and North Sixth Avenue, protesters had dispersed peacefully while referencing future demonstrations.

The sight and sound of the corner in Phoenix where protesters stood before the 8 p.m. curfew. They all walked away prior.

Some left saying: “we held up our end.” “See you tomorrow.” “We’re peaceful and love you guys.” pic.twitter.com/MOBRC7Xnzm

— Tyler Bassett (@Tyler_Bassett) June 2, 2020

7:50 p.m.

With the statewide curfew soon taking effect, protesters began leaving the downtown area.

Protesters leaving core of downtown minutes before statewide #curfew goes into affect. ⁦@PhoenixPolice⁩ are lining up to enforce it. LIVE ⁦@KTAR923⁩ pic.twitter.com/r5xsdxexpg

— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) June 2, 2020

6:40 p.m.

Protesters were reported to be more than a block in length, marching on Van Buren Street toward 3rd Avenue, according to ABC15.

Protest is more than a block long – blocking Van Buren going westbound near 3rd avenue.
Phoenix police stopping traffic so crowd can protest peacefully @ABC15 pic.twitter.com/veDTofeaJe

— Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) June 2, 2020

5:30 p.m.

ABC15 reporter Zach Crenshaw reported demonstrators had gathered around both the Phoenix Police Department and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office headquarters.

NIGHT 5:
Downtown is once again swarming with law enforcement. Phoenix PD everywhere.
MCSO HQ has a fence around it.
Small demonstrations happening outside Phoenix PD HQ & the 4th Ave Jail. pic.twitter.com/UOvQO1ZxcY

— Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) June 2, 2020

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