Arizona statewide curfew: schedule, dates, restrictions and exemptions
On Sunday, Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. which will remain in place until 8 June.
Arizona is one of the more than 30 states experiencing violent protests and severe looting over the death of George Floyd. On Sunday Arizona Gov. Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency and put in place a curfew at 8:00 p.m. effective from tonight. The curfew will run from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and will remain in place until Monday 8 June at 5:00 a.m. unless it has to be extended.
“At the request of local leaders and in coordination with state and local law enforcement, I’m issuing a statewide Declaration of Emergency and curfew starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight and effective for one week. This gives law enforcement an additional tool to prevent the lawlessness we’ve seen here and in cities nationwide. Police will be equipped to make arrests of individuals who are planning to riot, loot or cause damage and unrest," Governor Ducey said."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".
On Thursday, a protest was held in downtown Phoenix but a number of those attending began to riot, causing damage to manned police vehicles, vandalizing government buildings and throwing rocks and other objects at police.
The following day, after a peaceful vigil, some protesters once again headed to downtown Phoenix where their demonstration escalated resulting in more damage to government and private business buildings, fireworks being launched at police, streets being blocked and reporters being assaulted.
The executive order lists a number of exemptions, including:
- Traveling directly to and from work
- Attending religious services
- Obtaining food
- Caring for a family member, friend or animal
- Patronizing and operating private business
- Seeking medical care
- Fleeing dangerous circumstances
- Traveling for any of the services listed above
In addition, the following people have also been given exemptions:
- All law enforcement
- Firefighters
- Paramedics or other medical personnel
- National Guard, or other emergency response personnel authorized by the State of Arizona
- Credentialled members of the media
Violation of the curfew, according to the executive order, is a Class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of $2,500.