Ducey calls Floyd death ‘abhorrent,’ says Arizona will listen to protesters

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday called the death of George Floyd “tragic” and “abhorrent” and vowed to listen to those who want to have civil conversations in enacting change.

They were Ducey’s first comments in a public setting since the death of Floyd in police custody on May 25.

“It’s an American tragedy. It should be condemned by leaders at every level,” Ducey said during a press conference. “In Arizona, we will listen to those that want to have a civil discourse to ensure that it never happens again in the United States of America.”

Protesters have filled the streets of downtown Phoenix for the past week in response to the death of Floyd. Some have also brought up Dion Johnson, who was fatally shot by an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper on May 25.

Ducey enforced a weeklong curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday after riots over the past weekend turned violent and led to looting in some areas.

The Republican governor denounced the criminal activity and reaffirmed that the curfew would remain until it is set to expire June 8.

As for tangible change, Ducey said he would continue to listen with the hopes of bringing forth reform.

A vote by the Phoenix City Council is expected Monday over whether to provide $3 million in funding for a civilian oversight board that would look over the actions of the Phoenix Police Department.

“Arizona, we are listening and we are looking at this as an American moment where change can happen for the better in our nation,” Ducey said.

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