Rioters Clash With Cops In Chicago Following Police-Involved Shooting

Police Shooting Leads To Widespread Looting And Violence In Chicago

A police-involved shooting in Chicago on Sunday (August 9) sparked overnight riots and looting in the city's downtown district. After the shooting, in which officers reportedly returned fire on a 20-year-old armed suspect, authorities saw social media posts urging people to head the shopping district and start looting.

Police said that hundreds of people swarmed the area, causing damage and stealing from businesses along the city's Magnificent Mile shopping district. Thirteen officers were injured as they clashed with the rioters in the streets. Over 100 people were arrested as more than 400 officers were called in to help restore order.

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said that what happened on Sunday night "wasn't an organized protest, it was an incident of pure criminality."

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot blasted the looters and vowed she would not "let our city be taken over by criminals and vigilantes."

"We are waking up in shock this morning," Lightfoot said. "These individuals engaged in what can only be described as brazen and extensive criminal looting and destruction. And to be clear, this had nothing to do with legitimate, protected First Amendment expression."

Police struggled to gain control of the situation, even as the sun rose. As of 7 a.m. local time, all but one bridge into downtown were raised, and authorities were checking IDs before letting people onto expressways or into the downtown area.

Photo: Getty Images


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