Protesters head to downtown Phoenix for 12th day of demonstrations

PHOENIX — Demonstrators returned to downtown Phoenix Monday for the 12th consecutive day of demonstrations.

The demonstrations were in response to police brutality and racial inequality. Protests have also mentioned the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Dion Johnson in Phoenix.

Protesters could be seen marching from the City Council Chambers to the Arizona State Capitol.

Demonstrations concluded at 8 p.m.

Monday marked the first day since the state’s statewide 8 p.m. curfew was not in effect.

On Monday, the Phoenix City Council passed the annual budget which included $3 million in funding for a civilian oversight board for the Phoenix Police Department.

8:05 p.m.

Protesters concluded Monday’s march at City Hall where organizers thanked protesters for coming out.

7:25 p.m.

Valley Metro resumed normal service in downtown Phoenix.

Service Update (Final): We have been cleared to resume normal service. All downtown Phoenix train stations have been reopened. #vmservice

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) June 9, 2020

7:12 p.m.

Valley Metro tweeted that stations in the downtown area have been closed due to the ongoing protests.

Service Alert: Due protests downtown, Phoenix Police have directed us to stop service in the area. We have temporarily closed the following stations: Encanto/Central Ave, McDowell/Central Ave, Roosevelt/Central Ave, Van Buren/Central Ave, Van Buren/1st Ave, 1/2 #vmservice

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) June 9, 2020

7:05 p.m.

Protesters arrived at the Arizona State Capitol and gathered near the Confederate monument. Organizers encouraged the protesters to take photos and tag Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in them to encourage him to take it down.

#TearItDown @dougducey pic.twitter.com/7EIhl4e1vI

— Phoenix Protest Live (@PhxProtestLIVE) June 9, 2020

6:15 p.m.

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego met with religious leaders from across the community outside Phoenix Police Headquarters.

Meeting tonight in front of Police Headquarters with religious leaders from across our community. @PhxPDChief is committed to strengthening police and community relations. Joined by @MayorGallego & @PhxDistrict7 pic.twitter.com/Equ5Ll0wwb

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) June 9, 2020

Protesters also paused outside of the Arizona Supreme Court building to hold a moment of silence for George Floyd.

5:30 p.m.

Protesters gathered at at City Council Chambers to begin their 3.1 mile march to the capitol.

3:15 p.m.

Valley Metro encouraged riders to take the RAPID express before 5 p.m. to avoid any service distruptions due to ongoing events in downtown Phoenix.

🚨 Rider Alert 🚨
Riders are encouraged to take RAPID and Express 🚌 service prior to 5 p.m. today to avoid service disruptions due to ongoing events. Service will be limited after 5 p.m. and may change with little to no warning. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/sI23Ba7vuE

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) June 8, 2020

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