George Floyd Protests Come To Tucson

TUCSON — Tucson 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.

Protests in Tucson have remained mild compared to Phoenix and the rest of the country. Here is a snapshot of the key events that have happened so far. This article will be updated as more events unfold.

Black Lives Matter Tucson Steps Back

In an interview with KGUN 9, Lola Rainey, the executive director of Tucson Second Chance and a member of Black Lives Matter Tucson expressed that their organization would not participate in any protests. Instead, they want to "promote healing and change" differently. Read the full story at kgun9.com.

Protesters Mostly Peaceful

On Friday night Tucson police officers lined-up at the intersection of Church Avenue and Cushing Street to block traffic, facing 300 protesters, reports the Tucson Sentinel.

Journalists Targeted

There were multiple reports of journalists from different media outlets being physically or verbally focused on by protesters. Reporters and photographers from the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Sentinel were some of the subjects of attack.

Mayor Releases Statements

Mayor Regina Romero was critical about the violence that unfolded in Tucson Friday night.

"What I saw was not Tucson, and it's not going to be what moves us forward. Violence only brings violence."

Honor the life of George Floyd not by hurting others, but by seeking justice PEACEFULLY in his memory.

Now is the time to LISTEN and grieve alongside our black brothers and sisters as we mourn another senseless and disgusting act of violence. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/9AR2JtMuww
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) May 31, 2020

Tucson Residents Unrecognizable

At a media conference on Saturday Chief of Police Chris Magnus said:

“This is a very tough time for policing, but an even tougher time to be a black person in this country. And sadly, part of a long history of really ugly kind of relationship between law enforcement and policing. It’s something that many of us are determined to change no matter what setbacks we encounter.”

He went on to express that Thursday night's protests were peaceful, but that Friday night there was a shift in attitude.

“It became clear that the character of the gathering was starting to change. We started to see people that frankly we didn’t recognize from Tucson, made it clear they weren’t from Tucson. And they joined in and they started to create an entirely different climate.”

Watch the full media conference at kold.com.

Black Leaders Critical

In the same press conference leaders from Tucson's African American community like Doris Snowden, president of Tucson NAACP, youth advocate Zion Givens and Jamar Anthony with D.J.s Against Hunger spoke out against violence.

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 dealths 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.

Late Night Crowd Turns

After a peaceful protest Saturday that ended with a rally at the University of Arizona, tensions rose when some wanted to continue marching through downtown Tucson. Police formed lines to block the paths of the protesters. According to tucson.com, "some officers appeared to rush protesters" and confrontations were seen. Read the full story at tucson.com.

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.

Mayor Romero asked protesters to stay home tonight and come to a candlelight vigil that's planned for Monday at 7 p.m. at Dunbar Pavilion.

Twenty Arrested

According to tucson.com the most serious charges were two counts of aggravated assault on a pair of police officers. Two police were also reportedly injured.

Candlelight Vigil Held

Leaders of Tucson's black community hosted a vigil Monday night for George Floyd. City officials hoped that this event would curb the desire to commit acts of violence and cause property damage. Read the full story at tucsonweekly.com.

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