13 cops injured, 100 people arrested overnight in Chicago after police shoot man
Access to downtown Chicago has been restricted and police presence will be on the scene until 6 am Tuesday morning.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Chicago, Illinois overnight to engage in what some are calling “criminal” acts. According to NBC News, windows were broken, stores were looted and officers were met with confrontation following a police-involved shooting on Sunday (Aug. 9) which caused one man to be hospitalized.
“This wasn’t an organized protest. It was an incident of pure criminality,” Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said on Monday morning (Aug. 10). “Criminals took to streets with confidence that there would be no consequences for their actions. I refuse to let these cowardly acts hold our city hostage.”
Over 100 people were arrested and 13 police officers were injured during the unrest. Mayor Lori Lightfoot also condemned the actions of those involved. “We are waking up in shock this morning,” Lightfoot said Monday. “This had nothing to do with protected First Amendment expression. … This was abject criminal behavior. …This is straight up felony criminal conduct.”
The shooting took place on Sunday afternoon after police responded to a call about a man with a firearm. Officers say they tried to confront the suspect, but he fled on foot and fired towards law enforcement.
Two of the cops returned fire, striking the suspect. He was later taken to a hospital and is currently in stable condition. A firearm was recovered from the scene of the shooting. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the incident and all of the officers who were involved have been placed on administrative duties. Brown says that “misinformation” about the shooting fueled the looting downtown.
“To those engaged in criminal behavior — let’s be clear — we are coming for you,” Lightfoot said. “I don’t care what justification is given, there is no justification for criminal behavior.”
“Our citizens deserve to be safe,” she added. “Our officers deserve to be able to do their job without having to worry about shots fired.” Access to downtown Chicago has been restricted and police presence will be on the scene until 6 am Tuesday morning (Aug. 11).