Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said his statewide emergency declaration and curfew came at the request of local leaders and in coordination with state and local law enforcement. But so far his office isn’t telling us who requested the curfew and the mayors of Arizona’s two largest cities say they learned about it through the governor’s tweet. 

A spokesperson for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told KJZZ  they have not spoken to or heard from Gov. Ducey about a curfew or any other topic in a number of months. 

“Phoenix continues to look at all options available to curtail further criminal activity in the city,” said Annie DeGraw, communications director.

→ Protests Continue In Phoenix And Tucson, Looting At Scottsdale Mall

Nathaniel Sigal, a spokesperson for Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, told KJZZ "We were not contacted by the Governor’s prior to the issuance of the curfew (or afterwards), and thus did not request this."

In a statement to the media, Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier said he had talked to Ducey on Sunday afternoon and reviewed the order but, his office did not respond to our question about whether he requested the curfew. 

Kelly Corsette, communications and public affairs director for Scottsdale told KJZZ: “Scottsdale did not ask for the curfew. We will support and enforce the governor’s order.”  

A spokesperson for Mesa Mayor John Giles said he did not ask for the curfew but supports the governor’s decision. In a statement to KJZZ, Giles said, in part:

“I know most protestors are trying to elevate their voices and express the collective pain from these horrible tragedies. Unfortunately, as we saw in other Valley cities over the past two nights, rioters and looters were intent on needless violence, destruction of private property and damaging businesses, large and small. All of this is an assault on a community’s soul.” 

At least one police department says it will not enforce the curfew. In a Facebook post, Holbrook Police said:

“In lieu of Governor Ducey’s executive order of an Imposition of Curfew, the Holbrook Police Department is advising the citizens of Holbrook that while we respect the office of the governor and encourage self compliance, we haven’t seen riots like those in other areas throughout the country. As such, we feel that enforcing a curfew would have a negative effect upon our city. We as a department respect the constitutional rights of our citizens and we will not infringe upon these God given rights.

We feel that mutual respect exists between the Holbrook Police and the citizens we serve. Enforcing an order where no demonstrated need exists will negatively affect this relationship.”

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone issued a statement Sunday afternoon that said: “... our office and deputies are doing everything possible to mitigate the potential danger to people and property during this period of unrest. We are invested in your safety.”

Penzone’s office did not respond to KJZZ’s question about whether the sheriff requested the curfew. 

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona said Ducey’s announcement raised serious constitutional concerns. 

“Such actions restrict the rights of protesters and will undoubtedly lead to selective enforcement in Black and Brown communities,” said  Victoria Lopez, advocacy and legal director, ACLU of Arizona.  “We urge the governor and other elected officials across the state to seek a less restrictive approach and to meaningfully engage community leaders to address longstanding concerns with racist policing practices.”

Ducey’s statewide curfew order begins at 8 p.m. Sunday. It runs from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. through the morning of Monday, June 8.

→ View The Declaration

Exemptions during the curfew hours include:

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.