CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Police are getting some help maintaining street closures in the downtown area, where you can now see boarded up windows after weekend protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Demonstrators fanned out across the country over the weekend and while officials in Chicago said some of the protestors were peaceful, there was a “fringe” element that ran about busting store windows, looting businesses, setting vehicles on fire and throwing stuff at police.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, "it is devastating - absolutely devastating."The Mayor said she stands shoulder-to-shoulder with those who "have come out peacefully to express our righteous indignation, as we should and as is our right. And that is why I am also hurt and angry at those who decided to try and hijack this moment and use it as an opportunity to reek havoc."
Her request for National Guard troops has been approved by Governor Pritzker.
The Governor activated 75 Illinois National Guard soldiers for State Active Duty to assist the Chicago Police Department in protecting the City of Chicago and its residents. The Guard will carry out a limited mission to help manage street closures and will not interfere with peaceful protestors exercising their first amendment rights.
“At the request of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, I am activating the Illinois National Guard to support the City of Chicago in protecting our communities and keeping people safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker, in a statement. “This is an immensely challenging moment for our city, our state, and our country, one born from decades and centuries of systemic racism. 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.”