Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot imposes 6pm curfew on teens at Millennium Park after boy is murdered
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot imposes 6pm curfew on teens at Millennium Park after boy is murdered
"Effective immediately, from Thursday through Sunday, unaccompanied minors are not allowed in Millennium Park after 6:00 p.m.," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed in the midst of chaos at the popular tourist attraction.
CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Sunday that no one under 18 will be allowed in Millennium Park after 6 p.m. on weekends after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed amidst chaos at the popular tourist attraction.
"Effective immediately, from Thursday through Sunday, unaccompanied minors are not allowed in Millennium Park after 6:00 p.m.," Lightfoot said in a press release. "This new policy will be strictly enforced and violations will be dealt with swiftly. All of our residents and visitors under the age of 18 are welcome at the Park during the evening hours as long as they are accompanied by at least one responsible adult."
The victim of Saturday night's shooting was identified as 16-year-old Seandell Holliday. The alleged shooter is 17 and is being charged with second degree murder.
Chicago police said that 26 juveniles and four adults were arrested on Saturday night at Millennium Park. There were seven guns recovered. Six people were also reprimanded for curfew violations. Two officers were injured.
"We, as a City, can not allow any of our public spaces to become platforms for danger. Anyone coming into our public spaces should expect to enjoy them peacefully and must respect and exhibit basic community norms of decency. We simply will not accept anything less," Lightfoot said in the statement.
The ACLU said they are strongly opposed to a blanket punishment for all young people and noted the idea of a "responsible adult" as a chaperone is vague.
"Curfews and bans create group culpability for all young people – whether they are there to enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown or something else. The vague description – relying on an undefined ‘responsible adult’ – allowing young people to be present in the park and the promise of strict enforcement will result in unnecessary stops and arrests and further strain relations between CPD and young people of color," said Edwin C. Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy of ACLU Illinois.