George Floyd Protests Come To Phoenix

PHOENIX — Phoenix was among dozens of U.S. plus cities where demonstrations were staged over the weekend to protest the police custody death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man who died a week ago when a white police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, and other black suspects.

In Phoenix, emotions were still raw from the killing of Dion Johnson, who was shot by an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper. On May 25, a Department of Public Safety trooper spotted a vehicle parked at the "gore point" near State Route 101 and Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix, partially blocking traffic, azcentral.com reports.

According to police reports the trooper observed 28-year-old Dion Johnson sleeping in the driver’s seat and tried to contact him, to remove him from the vehicle. A second trooper also arrived at the scene to help remove Johnson from the car. Despite the trooper also reporting no physical injuries, he said there was a struggle, which caused the first responding trooper to fatally shoot Johnson.

Here is a snapshot of the key events that have happened so far. This article will be updated as more events unfold.

Multiple Groups Protest

So far the protests in Phoenix have been organized by many organizations. Who has organized which protests and who is responsible for the rioting has caused some confusion. It appears that many civil rights organizations and leaders hosted different events throughout the weekend. However, these communities have said that they are not affiliated with the groups of people responsible for looting and rioting.

On-Air Clash

Arizona Family reporter Briana Whitney was approached by a man who appeared to try to take her microphone.

Unlawful Assembly Declared

In Phoenix unlawful assembly has been declared every night after criminal activity was reported.

Police Chief Apologized To Media

The apology happened Friday night, and followed a statement made by Public Affairs Bureau Director Dan Wilson regarding unlawful assembly.

To Our Partners in the Media:

The Phoenix Police Department’s number one priority is the safety of our community members. We also want to ensure that journalists are able to perform their role as watchdogs in our community without facing harm.

I want to apologize for a statement our Public Affairs Bureau issued earlier about unlawful assembly. The Phoenix Police Department fully supports the free press and Journalists’ right to report the news.

In no way do we intend to curtail your right to collect and report the news. We value our relationship with the media.

I hope you will accept this sincere apology for our miscommunication and know that myself and my officers stand committed to work with you to protect free speech.

Read the full story at ktar.com.

Councilmember Condems Violence

Ahead of Friday night's protest, Phoenix District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski released a statement urging protesters to refrain from violence. The statement was in support of protests, but against acts of violence.

"Last night, in downtown Phoenix, what started as a peaceful protest, turned into a string of violent incidents directed at our Police Officers, headquarters and civilian vehicles. While I support standing in solidarity with those in Minneapolis, what’s wrong is wrong. I do not support violent protests, they are not the solution to bringing justice to the Floyd family. It is disappointing that a few participants used this protest as an excuse to incite violence. The actions of a few were unacceptable and put our city in harm’s way."

Damage Made Downtown

Friday night Phoenix Police reported many accounts of property damage across downtown Phoenix.

• Windows broken at the police headquarters
• Areas of spray paint graffiti reported on the City of Phoenix, the Calvin C Goode and Fox 10 News buildings, bus stops
• Approximately 20-25 broken windows, spray paint graffiti, broken planters at Sandra Day O’Connor US Courthouse
• Twelve broken door windows and multiple areas of spray paint graffiti at the Arizona Federal Theatre
• Burns from fireworks inside City of Phoenix Court along with 20 large broken windows
• Windows broken and tires slashed of seven Phoenix Police Tahoes
• One Phoenix Police Tahoe damaged by arson by lighting trashcan on fire near gas tank
• Two broken windows at Phoenix City Hall building
• Broken glass door at Century Link building
• Broken window at US Bank building
• Multiple broken windows and a smashed ATM screen at Chase Bank
• Multiple broken windows at Herberger Theater Center, Equus Building, Arizona Center

Phoenix police also reported bottles and rocks being thrown at police from a crowd along with fireworks being launched. Multiple fires were also set. Phoenix police only reported two arrests.

Governor Gives Statement

Despite other Republican leaders across the nation rallying to denounce the treatment of George Floyd, like Tennesee Gov. Bill Lee, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, azcentral.com notes Ducey's "different tone." His 157-word statement did not mention the deaths of Floyd or Dion Johnson, whose fatal shooting by an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer also contributed to protests. Read the full story at azcentral.com.

Small Businesses Hurt

Small business owners effected by vandalism express confusion to azcentral.com. While many owners understand the outrage, they don't understand why their businesses had to be caught in the crossfire. Read the full story at azcentral.com.

Mayors Plead

After Friday's violence, the mayors of Phoenix and Tucson asked citizens to refrain from violence during Saturday's planned protests. Read the full story at azdailysun.com.

Officials Give Warning

In a media conference on Saturday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams, while in support of protests, called violence "unacceptable."

"As a community we need change, but that won’t be done through vandalism, assault and chaos. It will be done through difficult conversations, policy and empathy," said Gallego.

Police Defended Headquarters

According to the Associated Press, Saturday shortly after 10 p.m. Phoenix police had to defend the department’s headquarters. Phoenix police stood in full riot gear outside the front entrance of the police department headquarters. Read the full story at apnews.com.

Scottsdale Fashion Square Looted

According to Scottsdale police, "millions of dollars in damages and theft" happened Saturday night at Old Town Scottsdale's destination mall, azcentral.com reports. So far 12 arrests were made. YouTuber filmed the event. Scottsdale police declared an unlawful assembly. Read the full story at azcentral.com.

Over 100 Arrests Made

A media release from the Phoenix Police Department stated that more than 100 arrests were made "for crimes which involved rioting, unlawful assembly and aggravated assault of a police officer." The release also stated that a "handful of juveniles "were also detained for "crimes involving curfew, rioting and unlawful assembly." They also reported that "last night's civil unrest vehicles were also towed."

Mesa And Tempe Police Help

Saturday night Mesa and Tempe police were deployed to downtown Phoenix, according to a statement from the Phoenix Police Department.

Statewide Curfew Imposed

Ahead of the fourth night of protests across the state, Gov. Doug Ducey imposed an 8 p.m. statewide curfew through June 8. Read the full story at tucson.com.

Valley Malls Close

Shopping centers and malls across the Phoenix metro closed Sunday to avoid being the targets of looting. Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale, Tempe Marketplace in Tempe, Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix, Westgate Entertainment District, Metrocenter mall and Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix were some major shopping destinations to either completely close or close early.

Non-Lethal Force Used

After curfew on Sunday night Phoenix police issued tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper balls. Read the full story at azcentral.com.

More Than 200 Arrests

A media release from the Phoenix Police Department stated that more than 200 arrests were made "for crimes which involved rioting, unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct and.or curfew." In addition to the 200 arrests, 10 juveniles were also detained for similar crimes. Vehicles were also towed.

Closures Impact Commuters

Washington and Jefferson streets between 1st Ave. and 7th Ave. remained closed Monday morning along with limited lane closures on Adams and Monroe in the same area, according to Phoenix police.

So far Phoenix has experienced the largest protests in the state. There were also protests in Tucson, Prescott and Scottsdale.