Grand Canyon Times

In response to instances of rioting after protests sparked by the deaths of George Floyd and Dion Johnson, Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order implementing a statewide curfew from May 31 through June 8, according to the Office of the Gov. Doug Ducey.

The order came about after a group of protestors on May 28 in Downtown Phoenix failed to disperse and began to vandalize police vehicles and other government buildings. The next day, another peaceful protest was held but a few of the participants stayed behind and vandalized government and private buildings, launched fireworks toward police, assaulted reporters and blocked streets. That same day in Tucson, protesters blocked streets and destroyed property. Protests continued the next day in Phoenix, Tucson and Scottsdale. 

Under advice that the protests would continue to spread to other parts of the state, the governor felt it was necessary to have law enforcement support to protect lives and property.

The curfew expired at 5 a.m. Monday, June 8. Ducey took to Twitter to thank peaceful protestors and law enforcement for their cooperation and made no mention of renewing the curfew even though protests are expected to continue.