Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Sunday, issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including the implementation of a daily curfew, following nationwide demonstrations against police brutality toward people of color. The protests follow the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody.
Floyd, a black man, was in police custody after allegedly trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill. He was held down by a white police officer until he couldn't breathe, and died while other officers stood by.
Demonstrations are taking place across the country and Arizona, including in Tucson, Phoenix and Flagstaff. The demonstrations have been largely peaceful. However, Sunday night in Phoenix, some destruction of property was reported and police wearing riot gear fired tear gas at protestors and several people were taken into custody.
Governor Ducey's curfew is currently in effect until June 8th, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. The Declaration of Emergency also allows for expanded mobilization of the National Guard.
The Governor says police, quote, "will be equipped to make arrests of individuals who are planning to riot, loot or cause damage or unrest." Details of the Declaration and curfew are on the office of the Governor's website, www.azgovernor.gov.
