Roads shut down after widespread civil unrest in Chicago
Authorities in Chicago responded to overnight violence and looting by shutting down some bridges and roadways to prevent access to the downtown area.
Widespread unrest and looting have been reported since around midnight on Monday, August 10, after an officer-involved shooting that took place on Sunday afternoon.
Two other people were shot, more than 100 people were arrested, and 13 police officers were hurt in the early morning hours as crowds broke store windows and stole items.
Chicago officials responded by raising all bridges to the downtown area except LaSalle Street in an attempt to limit access to the downtown area. The bridges have all been lowered at this time.
However, several road closures remain in effect on Monday morning, according to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management.
NotifyChicago: CTA is restoring service, CDOT Bridges and Expressway ramps downtown are now open. Various street closures are in effect throughout loop area.
— Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) August 10, 2020
Chicago Police say that access to the downtown area will be restricted again tonight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
An Illinois trucking company owner recently made headlines for refusing to send drivers to areas with defunded police departments due to concerns for driver safety.