Categories: World

Two shot, over 100 arrested in Chicago violence

Two people were shot and more than 100 others arrested amid widespread looting and vandalism in downtown Chicago.

In the violence yesterday, a security guard and a civilian were struck by gunfire and taken to the hospital in critical conditions, reports Xinhua news agency.

A total of 13 police officers were also injured, including a sergeant who was struck by a bottle while another had his nose broken.

Five guns were recovered at the scenes.

At a press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said the looting was related to a shooting in Englewood this week, when police officers responded to a report of a 20-year-old man with a gun.

The man fled and fired at officers, and the officers retaliated and struck the suspect, who was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.

After the shooting, a crowd gathered in the area, Brown said.

The Chicago Police Department became aware of "several social media posts" about looting planned downtown, and reacted by deploying 400 officers to the downtown area.

The first looting incident happened in South Chicago, Brown said, but "soon, car caravans were headed into the Loop" to begin looting.

It is "pure criminality", he said.

A video posted on social media showed a white car driving a store while people cheered on.

Other videos showed crowds breaking windows and entering stores in business districts in downtown Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the act a "felony criminal conduct" and "an assault on our city".

She called on the public to help apprehend the looters.

"To those who engaged in this criminal behavior … we are coming for you. We are already at work in finding you and we intend to hold you accountable," Lightfoot said at the press conference, adding: "There is no justification for criminal behavior ever."

The police have started a neighborhood protection plan; a team of detectives has been assigned to scour security footage of all incidents; access to downtown Chicago will be restricted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., effective yesterday night; and all day-off has been cancelled for Chicago Police Officers, local media reported.

For several hours yesterday morning, the bus and train service was suspended in downtown Chicago, and all downtown bridges except one were raised, according to a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announcement.
CTA restored normal service shortly before 8 a.m., but the major streets throughout downtown Chicago remain closed..

IANS

Recent Posts

New study identifies blood molecules that could revolutionise teen depression diagnosis

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from McGill University have identified nine biological markers in the…

26 minutes ago

India rebuts Pakistan’s disinformation on Indus Water Treaty at UNSC

India, in a firm and unequivocal statement at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accused…

1 hour ago

EAM Jaishankar lists areas of collaboration between India-Germany

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared his remarks on how India and Germany can upgrade…

3 hours ago

“India has right to defend herself against terror,” says German Foreign Minister, endorses Op Sindoor

Germany has come out resolutely behind India and its fight against terrorism under Operation Sindoor.…

16 hours ago

“Balochistan is an open-air prison, and world looks away”: Baloch leader Mehran Marri

Baloch leader Mehran Marri has accused Pakistan of unlawfully occupying Balochistan since 1948, transforming the…

17 hours ago

Trump administration to tighten AI chip export curbs to China despite Nvidia CEO’s pushback

The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it will continue its efforts to prevent advanced…

19 hours ago