Protests against the killings of black people at the hands of police continued for a third day in Chicago Sunday, and while demonstrations have been peaceful, there have been reports of looting and other damage across the Chicagoland area.
After there was widespread looting and property damage Saturday night in Chicago, the city announced Sunday that multiple routes to downtown Chicago will be closed throughout the day.
Hundreds of military police officers with the Illinois National Guard will also be brought in to assist Chicago police, officials said Sunday.
Follow our live blog below for events as they unfold Sunday
7:30 p.m.
A group of protesters blocked traffic Lake Shore Drive at 53rd Street.
6:50 p.m.: Curfews in Oak Park, Orland Park, Blue Island, Tinley Park
Multiple Chicago suburbs and other municipalities across northeast Illinois have imposed curfews in response to looting and other activities Sunday.
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau declared a State of Emergency and imposed a Village-wide curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday in response to “vandalism and violence,” according to a statement. Police will be enforcing the order, with exceptions made for people going to or from work, or in other special circumstances.
Blue Island ordered all businesses closed by 7 p.m. Sunday, and imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday,” according to a post on their Facebook Page.
Tinley Park is imposing a curfew from 8 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday due to “heightened police activity and threats to our community,” according to a post on Facebook. “Non-essential travel is not recommended. We will evaluate this daily until the threat is gone.”
Oak Park also announced a curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, “after vandals targeted several local businesses.”
Calumet City imposed a curfew will be from 8 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday, “and continue every day until further notice,” according to a statement.
Park Ridge closed all businesses starting at 8 p.m. Sunday.
7 p.m.: CTA, Pace suspend service after 6:30 p.m.
The CTA is suspending all bus and train service after 6:30 p.m. Sunday until Monday morning, the agency said in a tweet.
Pace said on Twitter all service will be suspended after 6:30 p.m. Sunday “until further notice.”
Metra canceled service earlier Sunday, but as of 5 p.m. Sunday has said service levels for Monday have yet to be determined.
5:40 p.m. Parts of downtown Chicago, Exit to Old Orchard Road closed
Illinois State Police said Sunday night the south- and north-bound ramps from I-94 at Old Orchard Road would be closed Sunday night, as looting has been reported at shopping centers across the area
Previously, the ISP announced the closures of these ramps in downtown Chicago:
- I290 E/B to Congress
- I-94 N/B ramp to Congress
- I-90 N/B ramp to Ohio
- I-90 S/B to Ohio
Areas of Chicago mostly downtown and in River North remain closed off, bordered by:
- DIVISION to the North
- 26th St. to the South
- HALSTED to the West
- THE LAKE to the East
Bridges are still up today in the Loop after the city said more protests are planned Sunday afternoon.
5:25 p.m.: More reports of looting in North Riverside, other areas in city and suburbs
5:15 p.m.: Peaceful march continues through South Side of Chicago
A march that begin at police headquarters at 35th and Michigan continues through the South Side of Chicago.
4:40 p.m.: Ongoing damage and looted reported on South Side, south suburbs
There are continued reports of widespread damage reported on Chicago’s South Side and the south suburbs.
Sunday morning, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said U-haul trucks were brought into downtown Chicago Saturday in coordination with looting.
Damage assessment in the wake of looting and other damage in the city is going to be an ongoing process, the mayor said.
“We are still in the assessment phase,” Mayor Lightfoot said. “Helping business board up and take stock.”
3:25 p.m.: Suburbs Closing Stores
A number of suburbs have urged residents to stay out of stores Sunday. Many stores have closed.
Hammond: police shut down businesses along Stateline Avenue for the rest of the day Sunday.
Village of Matteson: Asked people to “avoid shopping at this time“
Niles: Many “big box” stores closed as a precaution, according to police
3 p.m.: Illinois National Guard soldiers coming to Chicago
Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot formally announced 375 Illinois National Guard soldiers will come to Chicago as unrest continues in the city and across the U.S. after the death of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests.
“This is an immensely challenging moment for our city, our state, and our country, one born from decades and centuries of systemic racism,” Pritzker said in a statement. “To those peacefully expressing the pain, fear, and rage of this moment, I hear you. Your voices matter. We must address the profound injustices in our society and bring about real and meaningful change.”
Earlier Sunday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she contacted Pritzker to request assistance from the national guard at the request of Police Superintendent David Brown.
2:00 p.m.: Concerns about the spread of COVID-19
After several protests and destruction of property downtown, Mayor Lightfoot said she is unsure if Chicago will be able to move into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan on June 3.
“I’m in conversation with Dr. Arwady, Supt. Brown and others of course and we will make a determination to whether or not we can go forward on June 3 as planned,” Mayor Lightfoot said.
1:45 p.m.: Bulls weigh in on death of George Floyd, ongoing protests
In a statement posted to social media, the Chicago Bulls said the “events of the past weeks have been disturbing and challenging for us all,” saying:
“The deaths of George Folyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, as well as the incident with Christian Cooper, were gut-wrenching and heartbreaking… There is a crisis in our country, and we need to redouble our efforts and work harder than ever.”
12:12 p.m.
Downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly said residents of the Loop came out of their homes to help small business owners clean up their stores.
“The damage is widespread and incredible,’ said 42nd Ald. Brendan Reilly. “Neighbors, residents coming out of their homes to help our business owners clean up their frontages.
12:09 p.m.
12:00 p.m.: Cleanup and calls for peace in the wake of protests and unrest
Speaking Sunday morning, Mayor Lori Lightfoot asked for a moment of silence at 5 p.m. across the city in the wake of protests and looting in downtown Chicago Saturday night.
“We need to turn our pain into purpose,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “We must never forget our sense of who we are as Chicagoans.”
Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown said 240 arrests were made in relation to the riots and looting Saturday.
“Lawlessness has no place in Chicago,” Brown said.
Amidst sometimes chaotic scenes across the area, 6 people were shot, and 1 was killed after verbal exchange escalated to gunfire
After rioters looted parts of the Loop, set fire to squad cars and injured officers, Chicago police canceled days off and moved to 12-hour shifts.
Police said feces, urine and bottles were thrown at them Saturday. More than 20 officers were hospitalized with at least two requiring surgery.
“We need to look out for one another and stand united. Thank you to our City employees and the many others working around the clock to help our city heal during this time,” Lightfoot said.
