Protests fell into chaos this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona, over the deaths of Dion Johnson, a man who was shot and killed by DPS earlier this week, and George Floyd, who died in police custody this week in Minneapolis.
Rallies quickly escalated Friday night in the downtown area after a vigil for Johnson, with two arrested and damage done to property in downtown Phoenix, reported ABC15, an affiliate in Phoenix.
Protesters participated in demonstrations too for George Floyd, a man who died in police custody this week in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
While many protesters marched against police brutality, videos painted a picture of what the scene looked like those nights. Video showed some protesters break windows as some lit off fireworks at the Arizona Federal Theatre. Others can be seen vandalizing Phoenix police cars and shattering windows.
The Arizona Federal Theatre had several windows smashed last night. This is what it looks like this morning @abc15 pic.twitter.com/OXH4j4Rr94
— Nick Ciletti (@NickCiletti) May 30, 2020
The Phoenix Police Department took to Twitter to describe what was happening in the downtown area.
The caption read, "An Unlawful Assembly has been declared in the area around 6th Ave & Washington where demonstrators have been gathering. Due to criminal activity and a current danger to our community, people must leave the area including sidewalks, private property or roadways."
An Unlawful Assembly has been declared in the area around 6th Ave & Washington where demonstrators have been gathering. Due to criminal activity and a current danger to our community, people must leave the area including sidewalks, private property or roadways.
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) May 30, 2020
Both officials urged the public that they would not tolerate this conduct going forward.
"To be clear, the level of criminal behavior we saw last night will not be tolerated today," Chief Williams said.
Later on Saturday night, on the third night of protests, demonstrators gathered downtown where officials reported that the National Guard was on standby if things got worse.
Mayor Kate Gallego, Police Chief Jeri Williams and other city leaders address violent protests Friday night in downtown Phoenix. More demonstrations are expected downtown tonight. STORY: bit.ly/36Ja8VQ
Posted by ABC15 Arizona on Saturday, May 30, 2020
Scottsdale police declared an "unlawful assembly," while others continued to run across streets and the mall while continuing to damage properties.
Protesters are around Scottsdale Fashion Square mall, and police say property damage has occurred to businesses in the...
Posted by ABC15 Arizona on Saturday, May 30, 2020
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