Arizona senators can't agree on what happened at the state Capitol abortion protest

Published: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - 2:01pm

Updated: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - 2:56pm

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The State Capitol building is visible behind a crowd of marching protesters.

Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

Protesters express discontent with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case granting the right to abortion, at the Arizona Capitol on Friday, June 24, 2022.

The Supreme Court’s ruling overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision sparked protests across the country, including here in Arizona.

A crowd had gathered Friday at the Arizona Capitol to protest the Supreme Court’s decision. When they learned the state Senate was still in session, some began pounding on the doors and windows of the building. Soon after, state troopers released tear gas.

At the State Capitol, a sign reads: Bans off our bodies. "Our" is underlined.

Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

Protesters express discontent with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case granting the right to abortion, at the Arizona State Capitol on Friday, June 24, 2022.

Republican leaders described the event as a violent insurrection attempt. But Democratic state Sen. Martín Quezada called the Republicans’ characterization hypocritical.

“If anyone knows who violent insurrectionists are, it’s them. They were literally participating in that on Jan. 6. So this was really just an effort to try to distract from what happened on the 6th, what our United States Congress is investigating, literally, right now," Quezada said.

He added that the protest was mostly peaceful, and that Department of Public Safety officers were in full riot gear ahead of time.

“They had full tactical gear on. They were being escorted up to the roof of our Senate building before the protest had begun. So, they were planning to start with tear gas, they were planning to start with the most violent response," he said.

Susan Massey with Radical Women Phoenix helped organize the protest. She said the actions of DPS troopers sent a clear message.

“To me, it reads as DPS saying: Your voices will not be heard. This is not really a democracy, your voice will not be heard," Massey said.

Outside the Arizona State Capitol on June 24, 2022, a masked protester raises a cardboard sign that says, "Rosaries off my ovaries, Roe come back."
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

The crowd of about 8,000 protesters was made up of a diverse group of all ages and many gender identities.
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

The crowd outside the State Capitol on June 24, 2022, was made up of people of all ages and genders.
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

A crowd of protesters chants of "My body, my choice" during the pro-choice march outside the state Capitol on Friday, June 24, 2022.
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

At sunset on Friday, June 24, 2022, the march continues as protesters express their discontent for the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

A masked protester holds a sign in the crowd that reads, "I'm a mom by choice for choice." Stickers at the bottom of the sign say, "Vote like your rights depend on it" and "We won't go back".
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ

Organizers lead about 8,000 protesters in a march around the state Capitol on Friday, June 24, 2022. A banner reads, "We demand reproductive justice now."
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ