Thousands of people nationwide are protesting the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A protest in downtown Phoenix on Thursday night became unruly after several in attendance disobeyed orders to disperse. 

Protesters damaged government buildings, threw rocks at police officers, and damaged police vehicles with officers in them.

Several additional buildings in downtown Phoenix were damaged in another protest on Friday night. 

Damages included broken windows and doors at several properties, graffiti, and a small fire.

The Phoenix Police Department used pepper spray and pepper balls to disperse the protestors who were allegedly throwing bottles and rocks at them.

Also, on Friday night, several areas in downtown Tucson were vandalized.

On Saturday night, protesters in downtown Phoenix and downtown Tucson damaged more properties. In addition, businesses were looted and damaged at Scottsdale’s Fashion Square and surrounding areas. 

Arizona Doug Ducey announced a statewide Declaration of Emergency due to riots, implementing a statewide curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. effective tonight, May 31 through June 8 at 5 a.m.

The order also mobilizes the National Guard to assist law enforcement in preventing future lawlessness such as those protesters causing damage, looting, rioting and violence.

Curfew orders state no one may use, stand, sit, travel or be present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel.

Curfew exemptions include law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, National Guard, and credentialed members of the media.

Additional exemptions include people going to and from work; attending religious services; trucking and delivery services; food pick up; caring for an animal, family member, or friend; seeking medical care; leaving dangerous situations; and travel for any of the above.