Mayor Lightfoot Says Downtown Will Remain Shut Down Overnight

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot said downtown neighborhoods hit by looters early Monday will remained closed overnight, and her neighborhood protection plan for guarding vulnerable business districts will remain in place for the "foreseeable future."

The downtown shutdown went into effect Monday night in response to caravans of cars that descended into the Loop, Streeterville and River North in the wee hours in what authorities called an organized attack of "pure criminality." High-end retail stores were looted, 13 police officers were injured and about 100 people were arrested, officials said.

Starting at 9 p.m., CTA train service traveling through the Loop will be suspended, and bus service will be routed to avoid street closures. Lake Shore Drive will be shutdown between Fullerton Avenue and Interstate 55, and all expressway ramps between Division Street and Roosevelt Road will be closed. Some downtown bridges over the Chicago River also will be raised. The shutdown will end at 6 a.m., city officials said.

Police Supt. David Brown told reporters Monday night was "comparatively quiet". Police officers thwarted some looting attempts, and there was just one shooting citywide reported between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday.

"We're certainly not applauding ourselves or taking a victory lap, but we feel comfortable with the plan that was put in the place. ... We're going to remain diligent," Lightfoot told reporters on a conference call Tuesday. "There are going to be similar restrictions and resources deployed as last night, and we're going to keep those in place for the foreseeable future."

Brown said the police department will be "staying diligent in the way we are deploying our resources both in the neighborhoods and in the Downtown areas, while at the same time ... monitoring intelligence" gathered on social media and through tips.

"We're staying engaged with our communities, with our community partners," Brown said. "I was on the phone with faith leaders today to ensure we are maintaining and building on the relationships we have, so we can do a better job."

Police officials launched a "looting task force" to help detectives gather videos, pictures and information from witnesses as the city's investigation continues. The task force can be reached via email: 630lootingtaskforce@chicagopolice.org.

This is a developing story.