Chicago is waking up to the flotsam and jetsam of its downtown area covered with broken glass, smashed windows, and burned vehicles, including police vehicles.
Trump Tower was an early target, but apparently, the CPD took VP Mike Pence’s words to heart, to protect property first, then people.
It all started at Federal Plaza (Dearborn and Adams) at around Two PM, with several thousand PEACEFUL protesters. They marched PEACEFULLY north on Dearborn, when a few began throwing bags of urine, rocks and acting inappropriately. They were aiming for Trump Tower. The Tower was ringed by cops and cop cars. The City raised the bridges over the Chicago River to keep the crowd away from the building.
And then the looting began. Dozens of high end stores and restaurants were broken into and looted, some buildings were set on fire. Arrests were made, and both cops and protesters were injured. As the sun rose this morning, the sight is unimaginable.
i often walk this area. I even know a couple of the folks who own restaurants and shops by name. It is heartbreaking to see the damage and destruction.
Earlier, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made a decent plea:
”I am proud of the many people who came to protest peacefully this afternoon. I have nothing but disgust for those who came with bags of urine or who came armed ready to do battle.”
The former Marshall Field building, now, Macy’s, suffered major looting, with windows and doors smashed in. Even now, looters are being filmed leaving the massive store with goods, but no sales receipts.
chicago.cbslocal.com/…
CHICAGO (CBS) — Looters targeted downtown stores amid protests in the death of George Floyd Saturday night, including Kay Jewelers and the Macy’s flagship store.
The Macy’s display windows were ransacked. People were rummaging though the main level stealing whatever they could find. Looters remained inside hours after the curfew was imposed at 9 p.m. Display shelves on the first floor were empty. Dave Savini found a suitcase left behind. Inside was filled with candy, booze and cigarettes.
The Chicago Sports store on Michigan Ave was effectively destroyed.
CHICAGO (CBS) — A major fire broke out at a sports store on Michigan Avenue near Wacker Drive amid protests on Michigan Avenue Saturday night.
As CBS 2’s Jeremy Ross reported, the fire was raging at the Chicago Sports store at 332 N. Michigan Ave.
chicago.cbslocal.com/…
my favorite camera store, Central, a fixture on Wabash for many decades, is gone.
CHICAGO (CBS) — Central Camera, a Chicago institution with an iconic neon sign and a photographer’s every need since 1899, went up in flames Saturday night as unrest erupted in downtown Chicago in the wake of the George Floyd death in Minneapolis.
The store at 332 S. Wabash Ave. has been in business since 1899. CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar said it was looted and set ablaze, and appeared to be a total loss.
The owner was contacted and said he plans to rebuild.
As of 6am we still do not know how many police vehicles were destroyed. There are reports that someone managed to disrupt police communications.
This is NOT the Chicago I know and love.
This morning several hundreds of volunteers have already signed up and are gathering to clean up the streets. By 6am CST, they will begin their efforts. More volunteers are welcome.
THIS is the Chicago I know and love.
Sad to report, there will be more protests this afternoon. I hope they are peaceful.