Gov. Doug Ducey issued a statewide declaration of emergency Sunday afternoon which includes an 8 p.m.- 5:00 am curfew for one week.
On Twitter the governor said it will give “law enforcement an additional tool to prevent the lawlessness we’ve seen here and in cities nationwide.”
He said police will be “equipped to make arrests of individuals who are planning to riot, look or cause damage and unrest.”
Protesters took to the streets in Tucson and the metro Phoenix area on Friday and Saturday nights. In Tucson, the protests were mainly peaceful with sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism. Friday night there were incidents of graffiti and smashed windows in downtown Tucson.
In Scottsdale, windows at the Fashion Mall were smashed and there was looting on Saturday night. On Thursday, marchers broke windows at the state Capitol in Phoenix.
Gov. Ducey’s declaration also authorizes an expanded mobilization of the National Guard to “protect life and property throughout the state.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero initially said she learned of the order through Twitter and was upset at the lack of communication from the governor's office. About half an hour later she said she had then received the order and would work to come up with the necessary guidance.
The ACLU of Arizona issued a statement expressing concern about the order.
"“The statewide curfew announced today by Governor Ducey is an extraordinary and sweeping measure that raises serious constitutional concerns. Such actions restrict the rights of protesters and will undoubtedly lead to selective enforcement in Black and Brown communities," said Victoria Lopez, advocacy and legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona.
The governor's curfew is explicit in what it entails.
"During the hours of curfew, all persons are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling or being present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel" according to the order.
There are exceptions, according to the executive order. They included, "Individuals traveling directly to and from work; attending religious services; commercial trucking and delivery services; obtaining food; caring for a family member, friend, or animal; patronizing or operating private businesses; seeking medical care or fleeing dangerous circumstances; and travel for any of the above services."
The order expires on the morning of June 8, but can be extended.
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