CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot imposed Saturday "will remain in place until further notice" and a contingent of the Illinois National Guard "will maintain a limited presence in support of the Chicago Police Department" following protests over the racially-charged death of George Floyd that devolved into violence and looting Saturday night. Floyd, a black man, died last week while being restrained by a white Minneapolis police officer.
Lightfoot made the announcement during a press conference Sunday morning, explaining that the move is a precautionary one to prevent "wanton violence and destruction" that included vehicle fires and break-ins at retail stores as well as four shootings within four hours in the downtown area.
"Violence and destruction that is disgusting and obscene that and that threatens public safety, public places and people's basic freedoms. Violence and destruction that tarnishes the legacy and the moral credibility of pain and justice that peaceful protestors sought to address. We need to protect people's rights to life, liberty, property and employment," Lightfoot said.
The city of Chicago is also temporarily reducing access to Loop and the central business district following looting that has happened to residences and businesses there. This area will only be accessible to residents and essential employees whose businesses are located within the boundaries that have been set. The designated boundaries are from Divison Street on the north to 26th Street to the south and anything from Halsted Street east to Lake Shore Drive.
The Chicago Transit Authority also suspended train and bus service to and from downtown.
Alternative places will be designated for peaceful protests. Lightfoot also said what has taken place in the city means that under discussion right now is the possible postponement of Chicago entering Phase 3 of the reopening plan, which is set to kick-in on Wednesday.