Arizona Governor Doug Ducey reimplemented a statewide curfew last night due to the ongoing #BlackLivesMatter protests and subsequent looting that has taken place in cities across the nation. No one is allowed outside their homes from 8 pm – 5 am from May 31 – June 8, with the exception of essential workers and a few more.
Phoenix has seen protestors take to the streets four nights in a row, and it’s unclear if the rioting will continue this week. Looting in the Scottsdale Fashion Square occurred on Saturday night, prompting Ducey to make this announcement via tweet yesterday afternoon:
NOTICE:
At the request of local leaders and in coordination with state and local law enforcement, I’m issuing a statewide Declaration of Emergency, with a curfew in place starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight and effective for one week. 1/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020
Today’s declaration also authorizes an expanded National Guard mobilization to protect life and property throughout the state. Our office will continue to communicate with local law enforcement to provide whatever resources we can. 3/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020
All citizens of Arizona are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling, or being present in a public place or on a public street, including travel purposes. Exemptions include essential workers going to and from work, attending a religious ceremony, purchasing food, seeking medical attention, fleeing danger, operating a private business, caring for friends, family, or animals, and traveling for any of the above reasons.
The following people have also been exempt from the curfew: law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and medical personnel, the National Guard and other emergency response teams, and credentialled members of media.
Anyone found in violation of the curfew can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of $2,500.
