Protesters Cause Massive Damage During Violent Demonstrations After The Death Of George Floyd
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An overnight curfew has now ended as Chicagoans wake up to a damaged and unrecognizable city following a chaotic night of violence and looting. Thousands of people marched through the Loop to protest in memory of George Floyd, who died while being arrested on Memorial Day in Minneapolis.
Protesters could be seen setting cars on fire, breaking into stores and looting. A lot of the violence happened on State Street and Michigan Avenue but also took place throughout the city.
With cleanup starting again, one group of volunteers met outside of Macy's, which was left litter with trash, broken glass and debris. CBS 2's Vi Nguyen saw one looter taking perfume before the curfew was lifted Sunday morning.
An angry Mayor Lori Lightfoot addressed the media Saturday just hours after protests in the Loop went from being peaceful to violent.
Chicago police tried to keep the peace but came face to face with protesters screaming and yelling at them. Protesters vandalized police cars and set them on fire.
The mayor said officers were attacked by protesters throwing things at them and even using bats and hammers as their weapons. Others spray painted graffiti on several buildings throughout the Loop.
CBS 2 cameras were rolling when police confronted people inside of Macy's.
Volunteers from Women's March Illinois were cleaning up shattered glass. They were wearing masks and practicing social distancing when possible while cleaning.
"We know there are bad actors and instigators that are going to cities across the country that are starting these fires, starting breaking windows, and we know that is not a representative of the majority of protesters," said Breanna O'Brien with Women's March Illinois. "All of this stuff, all of this glass, it could be replaced. George Floyd's life cannot be replaced."
As everyone was working together to get everything back in order, some couldn't help but stop and take everything all in. For one father and son there is an important lesson to learn.
"We're shocked as a family of all the things that are going on, and I think it's best to educate children about what happened and get a firsthand experience," said Rick Hooper. "We're not here to gawk. It's a reality."
Others went around taking pictures to document the historic moment.
"It feels kind of like a post mortem recovery period," said Joe Haghey.
I love my city," said Nolynn Nix. "I know that we're going through a hard time right now, but I want to do everything I can to help ... we will get through this as long as we stick together, as long as we're being peaceful."
For complete coverage of the situation in Minneapolis visit CBSMinnesota.com and stream CBSN Minnesota.
