Police Crack Down On Coronavirus Parties, Mayor Threatens Jail

CHICAGO — Droves of partygoers took to the streets in Chicago over the weekend in defiance of federal social distancing guidelines, a statewide stay-at-home order and the warnings of Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Lightfoot called a press conference Saturday afternoon to address what she said were widespread reports of house parties and other large gatherings across the city Friday night. She said police broke up some parties of more than 150 people and promised to crack down on parties planned for Saturday.

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"We will shut you down. We will cite you and take you to jail," Lightfoot said. "Don't make us treat you like a criminal."

But despite that warning, police said they broke up even more parties Saturday night. According to WGN, crowds gathered at an illegal drag race on Wacker Drive, an impromptu dance party in East Garfield Park, and a large meetup in the Lawndale neighborhood that ended in a drive-by shooting that left five teens injured.

Last weekend too, police broke up several chaotic house parties, videos of which were shared widely on social media. Since March 25, according to NBC Chicago, police have dispersed 5,848 gatherings, issued 13 citations and arrested 18 people for violating the stay-at-home order.

"COVID-19 is dangerous and deadly," the mayor said, referring to the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. "It's still here, folks, ruthlessly attacking people all over the city. We have spent six weeks working and sacrificing to halt the spread of this disease and save lives, and you'd better believe, I'm not going to allow any individuals to upend the progress that we've made or add more deaths to our city's toll."

"When you go out and party, when you go home to your mama, your grandma, or anybody in your household who has an underlying medical condition, you are bringing death to their doorstep. Make no mistake about it," Lightfoot added.

More than 1,014 people have now died from the coronavirus in Chicago alone. Statewide, there have been 61,499 confirmed cases, and the death toll stands at 2,618, as of Sunday afternoon.