PHOENIX – Americans nationwide have expressed anger and frustration over the continued deaths of black men at the hands of police, particularly the May 25 death of George Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis. But local outrage also has focused on Dion Johnson, 28, who was shot to death the same day by an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer who had found him asleep in his car in north Phoenix.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, noting that issues involving race and police have been ignored for years, said the majority of people who gathered in Phoenix to grieve and protest did so peacefully. But as protests turned violent, police used tear gas, smoke bombs, flash and concussion grenades, pepper spray and rubber bullets on demonstrators each night.
May 28:
On Thursday, Protesters gathered in downtown Phoenix streets for hours before police declared it an unlawful assembly. Hundreds remained on the streets at the time and police arrested eight people.
May 29:
On Friday evening, protesters held a vigil for Dion Johnson, which turned into a march to Phoenix police headquarters. The DPS officer who shot Johnson was not equipped with a body or dash camera, and Johnson’s family has asked for more information about his death. Protesters later damaged 18 properties – shattering doors and windows, spraying graffiti on walls, according to police.
May 30:
On Saturday, Phoenix officials warned protesters that police would take swift action if demonstrations turned criminal. Protests remained largely peaceful until nightfall, when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd and arrested 114 people.
May 31:
On Sunday, Gov. Doug Ducey issued a statewide declaration of emergency, setting an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew that started that day and runs until June 8. Phoenix police arrested hundreds of people Sunday night.
June 1:
Monday’s demonstration ended peacefully soon after the 8 p.m. curfew took effect. Hundreds remained on the streets, however, and police arrested eight people.
Tensions and hopes remain high
As protests and the curfew continue this week, this gallery may be updated if information becomes available.
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A familiar statue in downtown sports a Black Lives Matter poster as protesters march Monday along First Avenue in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)A protester takes a selfie with a Phoenix police officer Monday after holding a peaceful conversation for more than 10 minutes. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)Protesters express their feelings Sunday in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)As the 8 p.m. curfew goes into effect, protesters spread out along First Avenue in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)Officers warn a protester as he walks in front of a barricade minutes before the 8 p.m. curfew took effect Sunday. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)Minutes before the 8 p.m. curfew Sunday, protesters stand strong in front of police officers. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)Protesters sit on storage containers to watch the crowd gather Sunday in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)Despite an announcement of an 8 p.m. curfew, the demonstration Sunday was the largest since protests began Thursday. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)A lone demonstrator stands against a police line after tear gas dispersed most of the crowd Saturday night. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)A protester speaks to a Phoenix police officer Saturday night. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)Protesters march toward Phoenix City Hall from the Arizona Capitol on Saturday. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)Hundreds of demonstrators fill Van Buren Street on Saturday night to honor and support Dion Johnson of Phoenix, who was shot by an Arizona state trooper May 25. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)Protesters gather in front of Phoenix City Hall on Saturday evening. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)A protester raises his fists against the Phoenix Police Department just before offices fired tear gas to disband what was determined an “unlawful assembly” on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Downtow Phoenix, AZ.A protester shields himself from tear gas and pepper bullets as Phoenix police disband what they called an “unlawful assembly” on Saturday in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Blake Benard/Special for Cronkite News)Protesters kneel in front of Phoenix police headquarters on Thursday, the first night of local protests against police brutality. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)Tear gas lingers in front of Phoenix police headquarters on Friday night after police attempt to clear the crowd. (Photo by Aung N Soe/Special for Cronkite News)A protester in downtown Phoenix faces police Thursday night. (Photo by Aung N Soe/Special for Cronkite News)A protester kneels on Washington Street in downtown Phoenix on Thursday night. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)Protesters face riot police in front of Phoenix police headquarters on Thursday, the first night of local protests against police brutality. (Photo by Aung N. Soe/Special for Cronkite News)
