Violent protests erupted in dozens of cities following the death of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck for more than eight minutes.
In Chicago groups of demonstrators broke off from an otherwise peaceful protest to rampage on a looting spree of shopping districts throughout the city, including State Street in Chicago, setting fire to police cars and businesses.
At a time when business owners were attempting to lure back customers who were already concerned about going out in public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what unfolded was a violent weekend of burning cars, looting, and over 700 arrests by baton-wielding police.
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In a statement today, Mayor Lori E Lightfoot said, “we are coming together here in Chicago because we are united. We will get through this.”
The city quickly responded with cleanup efforts, working within the imposed curfew in Chicago. The curfew will remain in effect until further notice from the mayor’s office..
photo credits: Augie Vaza
