Chicago Loop/Downtown Chicago Riot Aftermath [05.31.2020]

Absolute sensory overload driving and walking around through Downtown Chicago earlier today, observing the damage left over from last night's peaceful protest-turned-riot that led to multiple violent clashes with police and many arrests.

Everywhere I drove or walked, I could hear the sound of glass fragments underneath my car's tires or my feet. The smell of fire permeated the air in certain locations. The incessant sound of the warning bells that the many bridges spanning the Chicago River were raised flooded the air and echoed off the buildings. This is not the Chicago I know and love. This is not ok. This needs to stop.

I spent about 2 hours walking around observing the damage and cleanup efforts as people try to get over what happened last night and many, unfortunately, prepare for what may come tonight.

These riots, of course, are part of the fallout being experienced nationwide from Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdering George Floyd by placing a knee over his neck while he was handcuffed on the ground and sitting on him until he died. There is absolutely no excuse what Officer Chauvin did. It was murder. He's been charged with 3rd-degree murder and sits in jail awaiting his fate. Meanwhile, protesters nationwide have taken to the streets everyday to express their displeasure with police departments, displeasure which you can see in this video via graffiti and broken glass. Many fires were set in downtown Chicago last night to police cars, businesses, etc. This cannot continue. Two wrongs don't make a right. Our policy makers need to step in and put an end to this. Police departments need to review how they treat minority communities and put an end to unnecessarily violent policing.

Thank you for taking the time to watch this video.

Recorded on Sunday, May 31st, 2020 with a Samsung Galaxy S9+.