By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services
PHOENIX — ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s statewide curfew has had the desired effect of reducing protest-related violence, Gov. Doug Ducey said this week.
The governor ordered people to be off the streets and out of publicly accessible areas in the wake of looting and disturbances Saturday night at Scottsdale Fashion Square and nearby businesses.
"That's not going to happen again," he said.
"That's why the statewide curfew was issued," Ducey continued. "That's why the National Guard was brought in so we could avoid the looting and rioting that you saw in Scottsdale."
The comments came in a Thursday news conference as the governor, sought to say that he understands the feelings of the black community following the killing this past weekend of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
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"The suffering and death of George Floyd is tragic and abhorrent,'' he said while seating in front of a photo his staff had arranged as a backdrop. It pictured a mural memoralizing Floyd.
"It's an American tragedy," the governor continued. "It should be condemned by leaders at every level."
But the governor also said that while he respects the First Amendment rights of individuals to engage in "peaceful dialog," he will not tolerate "violence and destruction."
"ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ will not confuse peaceful protesters and demonstrators with looters and rioters," he said. "We will protect peace and order to honor George Floyd's memory."
It wasn't just Floyd's death that led to protests here in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
There also were concerns about the May 25 shooting of Dion Johnson by a Department of Public Safety officer along Loop 101 in Scottsdale. Questions have been raised about how Johnson, who the DPS officer found asleep while parked in a car on the exit ramp of the freeway, ended up dead.
Ducey made no specific mention of Johnson.
The incident was addressed briefly by DPS Director Heston Silbert, explaining why he has yet to release the name of the officer involved.
He said that is because the investigation into whether it is a criminal matter is being handled by Phoenix police. And while Silbert acknowledged that his own agency is conducting an administrative review, he said it is "policy" not to provide that information in the interim.
That left the question of what happens now.
"In ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, we will listen to those that want to have a civil discourse to ensure that it never happens again in the United States of America, and we make the proper reforms and improvements at both the state, national and federal level," Ducey said.
But Ducey would not commit to support some proposals by Democrat lawmakers to include reforms on police operations in any special session he calls this summer to deal with other issues.
That list includes body cameras for all police officers, outside investigations when police use deadly physical force, training police on de-escalating situations, and limits on the qualified immunity that police have against lawsuits by those they injure and the families of those they kill.
Instead, Ducey promised to speak with legislative leaders of both parties.
The governor did point out that he had asked for funding in January to equip all DPS officers with body cameras.
But the legislature adjourned before taking that up. And neither the motorcycle officer who shot Johnson nor a colleague who showed up later was equipped.
The governor also said he is prepared to look at whether there needs to be more diversity on the Peace Officers Standards and Training Board which certifies who can carry a badge and gun.
And while Ducey was noncommittal on the idea of outside oversight, Attorney General Mark Brnovich sent the governor a letter suggesting that would be appropriate and even offering to have his office assume that responsibility.
Ducey's news conference came after a meeting he had Sunday with some community and religious leaders. But that left at least some of them unimpressed.
"He suffers from white privilege," said the Rev. Warren H. Stewart Sr., pastor of the First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix. Stewart, who helped arrange the meeting of colleagues with the governor, spoke with ABC-15.
Ducey did not dispute Stewart's analysis.
"I'm learning along the way," Ducey said. "I'm continuing to learn. I'm committed to that."
But Stewart said that's not the only issue.
"I don't know if the governor understands systematic racism," the pastor said.
And the Rev. Jennifer Reddall, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ said she came away believing that the governor knows that racism exists and that is it a sin.
"But he is not ready to say that racism is systematic or institutionalized," she said.
On Thursday, Ducey said he is listening.
"What I'm hearing is that people are sickened by what happened and I share that emotion and feeling as well," he said.
"They're asking for change and they're asking for reform," the governor continued. "And they've had enough of this."
Photos: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ans rally against police brutality at UA, police headquarters
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A poster in honor of George Floyd is placed on a column at the Student Union Memorial Center during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters listen to speaker Grant Knox during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A person raises a sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Grant Knox speaks during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A sign baring a list of black people killed in the last few decades is held up by a protester during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Police officers are seen on the third story of the student union during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protester raises a sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A sign reading "no justice, no peace" is seen in a sea of protesters during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

The shadow of a supporter raising a sign shows on the grass of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Two supporters sit in the shade with posters on their legs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter wears "Black Lives Matter" earrings during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A large group of supporters stand on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall while listening to speakers during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Brian Seastone, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ police chief, stands with supporters during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter stands against a glass door while holding a "Black Lives Matter" sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters hold up signs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Light shines on a supporters sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A supporter sits on a curb while holding a "End Police Brutality Black Lives Matter" sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A group of supporters hold up signs during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Members of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department watch rally members disperse after March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Stephanie Williams, left, takes a photo of Briana Felix and University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Chief of Police Brian Seastone following March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Supporters listen to speakers from the porch of Old Main during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Light shines on a supporters sign during March for Justice ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s peaceful Rally Against Police Brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3, 2020. Roughly 1,800 arrived at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to listen to speakers talk about race and their experiences in America.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Andrew Kirima holds his fist up in solidarity during a chant at a rally organized by March for Justice in front of Old Main in the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A group of supporters stand near the back while listening to speeches about race during a rally against police brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3rd, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Two supporters hold up a “Black Lives Matter†sign while listening to speeches about race during a rally against police brutality in front of Old Main at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 3rd, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protesters raises a sign as others lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protesters raises his fist as others lie on the road in memory of George Floyd during an impromptu protest outside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Officers look on as protesters lie in the road in memory of George Floyd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Officers take a knee with protesters outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020. The acts was appreciated by some in the crowd while others saw it as surface level.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters wave signs outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters wave signs outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Vannessa Medina sits on the ground in front of fellow protesters as an officer from TPD talks to the remaining crowd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Vannessa Medina sits on the ground in front of fellow protesters as an officer from TPD talks to the remaining crowd outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Aireona Slan listens as an officer answers questions outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A protester talks to a TPD officer during an impromptu rally outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Chelsi Austin (right) asks Officer Diana Duffy (left) questions outside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department at 270 S Stone Avenue, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

A person holds up a black lives matter sign during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Protesters hold up signs in front of Old Main during a rally organized by March for Justice on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
Rally Against Police Brutality and march to TPD

Andrew Kirima raises a fist in solidarity during a rally organized by March for Justice outside Old Main on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, on June 3, 2020.
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