Ducey issues Declaration of Emergency, statewide curfew

Read below for what local law enforcement say

UPDATE 3:10 PM:

PHOENIX. (KYMA, KECY) - Along with implementing a week-long curfew at 8:00 p.m. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey says he has also authorized an expanded National Guard mobilization.

Starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight, the curfew is in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and will expire on Monday, June 8, at 5:00 a.m. unless further extended, according to Ducey.

[Read Ducey's Full order here]

In his order, Ducey declares, "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."

Exceptions:

1. All law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics or other medical personnel,  National Guard, as well as any other emergency response personnel authorized by the State of Arizona, and credentialed members of the media. 
2. 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.

What this means for Yuma County

News 11 reached out to Yuma County Sheriff's office (YCSO) to find out how Ducey's order will affect locals.

According to YCSO, they are approaching this issue as a Maricopa County issue. Therefore, there will not be enforcement on their end. This does not mean the Yuma Police Department (YPD) will not be enforcing.

Stick with KYMA for an update on what YPD says on the order.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

PHOENIX, (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Doug Ducey is issuing a statewide Declaration of Emergency, after a third night of protests throughout the state.

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

In a Twitter thread, Ducey does not specify whether this curfew will be enforced statewide.

However an earlier post made by Ducey says he has been in contact with Arizona mayors to ensure they have adequate tools to prevent violence during protests.

Been contacting mayors across Arizona today to ensure they have proactive plans to prevent looting and violence in their cities tonight and in days to come. This is why we sought public office. It’s time for leadership, vigilance and action. pic.twitter.com/Amlb8e8o8N

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 31, 2020

He says today's declaration also authorizes an "expanded National Guard mobilization to protect life and property throughout the state."

Ducey says this declaration gives law enforcement an additional tool to prevent acts such as violence and looting seen recently in Phoenix and Tucson.

"Police will be equipped to make arrests of individuals who are planning to riot, loot or cause damage and unrest," Ducey writes.

In a statement issued Sunday, Ducey said the following:

"What we are seeing is happening in cities and states everywhere in America, and Arizona leaders need to be on high alert. They need a plan. Today should be a working day for every local elected leader, city manager, police chief and sheriff in every jurisdiction in the state. The death of George Floyd is tragic and abhorrent. It should be condemned by leaders at all levels ⁠— and we should listen to those who seek to have a civil dialogue on how to ensure it never happens again."

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey