13 Chicago Officers Injured in Downtown Looting, Mayhem

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At least 13 officers with the Chicago Police Department were injured as rioters charged through the so-called "Magnificent Mile" in downtown Chicago—and other parts of the Windy City—early Monday looting stores and throwing objects at officers.

According to the Chicago Tribune , more than 100 people were arrested during the mayhem. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, "What occurred in our downtown and surrounding communities was abject criminal behavior, pure and simple. And there cannot be any excuse for it. Period."

Lightfoot continued, "There is no justification for criminal behavior, ever. You have no right to take and destroy the property of others. Our residents deserve to be safe. Our businesses deserve to understand and enjoy safety and security of their property and their employees. Our police officers deserve to be able to do their job without having to worry about shots being fired, projectiles being thrown, and being maced. This is not anywhere near acceptable."

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown told Fox News  that a security guard and a civilian are now in critical condition at a local hospital after being hit with gunfire during the looting overnight, and he said that five guns in total have been recovered.

The unrest began Sunday afternoon after police responded to a report of a man with a gun in the city’s Englewood neighborhood. While being pursued by police, the man, who was on foot, “turned and fired shots” at officers before being struck himself and taken to a local hospital, Deputy Chief Delonda Tally told Fox 32 Chicago.

A crowd that had gathered at the scene then faced off against police and started hurling objects at officers after getting agitated over a false rumor that the suspect – who is 20-years-old – was a child, investigators add. Brown says the suspect previously has been arrested four times for charges including burglary, child endangerment and domestic battery.

Chicago police are bracing for more tonight. Local media is reporting that the looters may hit another area of town.