CHICAGO _ On the morning after a riotous night in Chicago, workers were boarding windows in the Loop and beyond, and the city was on guard for more demonstrations, limiting access into the downtown area.
A curfew imposed by the city, which started at 9 a.m. Saturday, ended at 6 a.m. Sunday.
After intense skirmishes overnight, a Loop protest escalated with thousands of demonstrators marching, burning at least one flag, climbing onto a CTA bus and a light pole, hurling bottles, overturning police cars and surrounding officers on Saturday evening.
The crowd, which swelled to around 3,000, began their demonstration Saturday at Federal Plaza at 2 p.m. in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Crowds of protesters then made their way onto Lake Shore Drive and shut down portions of the roadway.
As of 3:30 p.m., hundreds were marching north and became more and more raucous, even hostile, throwing fireworks, bottles and reportedly a liquid near officers. Some also began tagging buildings, cars and a bus shelter. There was at least one report of injuries to police, including a sergeant who had broken his arm near Trump Tower.
In announcing the curfew Saturday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was "disgusted." She said she had seen protesters use pipes, bats, hammers and other objects to damage property.
Here are the latest developments:
_ City limits access to Loop, CTA service in and out of Loop suspended
The city of Chicago Sunday morning announced that "multiple routes to the Central Business District will be temporarily reduced today following multiple public safety incidents and property damage that occurred overnight."
In a news release the city said it was taking the action "to further ensure the health and safety of residents and the hundreds of peaceful protestors participating in rallies" today.
According to the release, starting today, "the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Department of Water Management (DWM) and Chicago Police Department (CPD) will reduce access in the Central Business District and Loop area to only employees whose businesses are located within the designated boundaries, individuals who reside in the surrounding area and residents engaged in essential activities as defined in the Municipal Code."
The boundaries include:
Division Street from Lake Shore Drive and North Halsted Street.
North Halsted from Division Street. to Milwaukee Avenue and Grand Avenue.
Milwaukee Avenue from Grand Avenue to Kinzie Street.
Canal Street from Kinzie Street to 26th Street.
26th Street from Canal Street to Lake Shore Drive.
The release continues:
"Additionally, CTA service has also been suspended for trains and buses coming in and out of the Loop for public safety reasons. CTA will provide regular service updates at: transitchicago.com.
"Following today's announcement, the City is working closely with the organizers of rallies and protests scheduled to take place within the area this afternoon to provide an alternative, optional route for marches to peacefully and safely return in Chicago. This latest effort follow's Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Arwady's joint-issued citywide curfew for all residents and visitors, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily beginning Saturday, May 30, until further notice.
"Mayor Lightfoot, Dr. Arwady and Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown continue to reiterate that their number one priority is the safety and health of all residents, including protestors and police officers. In addition to these latest preparedness efforts, Mayor Lightfoot will join CPD and OEMC today to provide an update on the City's preparedness efforts to ensure peaceful organized protests, rallies and marches."
_ Illinois State Police announce downtown expressway ramp closures
Illinois State Police officials have announced the following expressway ramp closures, which will be in effect until further notice:
Interstate 290 eastbound to Congress
Interstate 94 northbound ramp to Congress
Interstate 90 northbound ramp to Ohio
Interstate 90 southbound to Ohio
