BREAKING UPDATES: NPD Releases Video of Blast That Injured Several Officers

By: Alex Campbell, NCTV17
Published: June 03, 2020 at 4:30 PM CDT

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BREAKING UPDATES: Naperville Community Television’s news team is covering the protests and demonstrations in the Naperville area, sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Please return to this page for up-to-date information.

[June 3, 4:22 p.m.] Several Naperville police officers suffered minor injuries after someone hurled some type of explosive device on Monday night in downtown Naperville. Police have released this video of the blast.

[8:46 p.m.] Much quieter in Naperville tonight – though a small group of peaceful protestors is gathered at a corner downtown.

[4:39 p.m.] The City of Aurora has extended its curfew for another night – it will begin at 8:30 p.m. tonight, and end at 6 a.m. All I-88 entrance ramps to the city will be closed during that time. Entrance into downtown Aurora will be restricted to those with residential or employment ID, and residents are asked to avoid Fox Valley Mall.

[2:45 p.m.] Police Chief Robert Marshall has disclosed his department has gathered reports that suggest nearby cities may host  protests tonight and in the days to come. The towns include Downers Grove, Bolinbrook and Hinsdale. The city of Naperville is planning to assist as needed.

[2:30 p.m.] Mayor Steve Chirico and Police Chief Robert Marshall addressed the community.

[2:10 p.m.] Naperville’s Nichols Library will remain closed after sustaining damage in last night’s events.

[12:57 p.m.] Press conference at 2:30 p.m. today at the Municipal Center – the Mayor, police chief and Downtown Naperville business representatives will speak on the events that transpired last night. NCTV17 will be covering the event live on Facebook, or you can connect through our twitter feed.

[11:47 a.m.] Naperville Jewelers on Water Street was one of many businesses in Naperville that was looted. The forensics team from the Naperville Police Department was there this morning collecting DNA samples left by looters. Owners estimate jewelry and merchandise lost, along with structural damage to the building, amounts to over $30,000.

naperville jewelers looting

[9:48 a.m.] Councilman Benny White announced there will be a Zoom Town Hall held by Naperville Neighbors United on Thursday.

 

[8:40 a.m.] President & CEO of Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce says tremendous turnout for clean-up.

 

[7:38 a.m.] Clean-up efforts are now underway in downtown Naperville – watch our live coverage:


[June 2, 7:10 a.m.] The Naperville Police Department has released an initial report of last night’s events.

Windows were smashed, officers attacked, businesses burglarized and one person was stabbed in Naperville last night as what started as a peaceful protest devolved into acts of looting and violence.

Naperville police say around 9 p.m. last night, a group of about 250-300 who had gathered in downtown Naperville turned violent, separating and spreading out throughout the area.

Instigators used bricks, bottles and wood 2 X 4’s to break store windows. Bricks and bottles were also thrown at officers, with bricks being hurled at police vehicles as well. Looters went into many of the stores, and were seen setting off explosive devices. One officer was injured.

One unlawful protestor was stabbed by another, and hospitalized.

Police say burglaries and vandalism also took place at businesses in other sections of the city. Numerous arrests were made, and multiple law agencies were brought in to assist in the efforts. The area was finally secured by 1:00 a.m.

A full assessment of damages is underway.

[11:02] Here is NCTV17’s list of businesses and building sustaining vandalism and looting this evening:

Confirmation of looting:

  • Sullivan’s Steakhouse
  • Pandora
  • Lush

 Confirmation of windows smashed:

  • Kids Gap
  • Barnes and Noble
  • Starbucks
  • Pandora
  • Lush
  • Sullivan’s Steakhouse
  • Nichols Library
  • Chico’s
  • Lauren Rae Jewelry
  • Einstein Brothers (Naperville Sun)
  • Talbots (Daily Herald)

[10:31] The Nichols Library in downtown Naperville has sustained broken windows, as captured on citizen captured Facebook Live video.

[10:15] NCTV17 is reviewing reports of smashed windows and looting at a number of downtown businesses and buildings. We are working to confirm at this time.


[9:30] A loud bang was heard, sending the crowd scrambling. Rioting and looting of downtown Naperville began with shattered windows along Chicago Avenue, starting with Barnes & Noble.

 [9:15] NCTV17’s Casey Krajewski is reporting from the middle of the marching protesters in downtown Naperville. Reports of thrown water balloons and water bottles have circulated but the demonstration has remained largely peaceful. Protesters are echoing similar chants heard across the nation in the week following George Floyd’s death, including “I can’t breathe”, “Black Lives Matter”, and “No justice, no peace”.

[8:40] With 20 minutes until curfew is set to begin in Naperville, protesters remain firmly entrenched in the middle of the intersection of Chicago and Washington.

[7:30] Mayor Steve Chirico, in consultation with the Naperville Chief of Police, has issued a local state of emergency, which establishes a curfew at 9PM tonight.


In an email from President and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Kaylin Risvold:

According to the Naperville Municipal Code the state of emergency expires at the adjournment of the first regular City Council meeting after it is declared, so this state of emergency will expire at the end of tomorrow night’s City Council meeting. A subsequent state of emergency may be declared if necessary.[7:09] A peaceful sit-in is happening at the corner of Washington and Chicago in downtown Naperville.

[7:10] Currently there’s a peaceful sit-in happening at the corner of Washington and Chicago in downtown #Naperville. Police have blocked off the street to keep everyone safe.

[5:50] Naper Notify has sent out a message on the events of this afternoon while alerting Naperville residents of the current situation and potential for additional protests and gathering this evening:

The statement:

A peaceful protest was held this afternoon, beginning in Downtown Naperville and ending at Naperville’s Public Safety Campus on Aurora Avenue. The group is still gathered and causing traffic issues for the downtown area, please avoid the area. We will continue to maintain an increased presence throughout town in response to unconfirmed rumors of possible criminal activity throughout the western suburbs. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activity to 9-1-1.

[4:57] Aurora Police have closed off the Fox Valley Mall and roads with cinder blocks. They are monitoring the protest situation in Naperville and have obstructed the entrance to the mall. NCTV17 is being told by police on site trespassers will be arrested.


LIVE COVERAGE ENDED AT 4:40: NCTV17’s Casey Krajewski reported from the middle of the crowd.

[4:35] Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issues disaster proclamation in multiple counties, including DuPage County. The governor will also call up an additional 250 members of the National Guard to support the initial 375.

[4:27] Councilman Benny White addressed the crowd, talking about what positive action can be taken to create change.

[4:04] Protesters have reached Naperville Police Department Headquarters. Protesters are once again kneeing in front of officers while pleading for those officers to kneel with them. Mayor Steve Chirico kneeled with the crowd for a second time on the afternoon before addressing the crowd.

[3:51] Aurora is anticipating protests near the Fox Valley Mall in the coming hours. Aurora remains in a state of emergency after violence and looting flared last night.

[3:40] Protesters are once again on the move, marching through the streets with policing diverting cars.

[3:30] Protesters stopped in front of the Naperville Municipal Center and paused for a moment of silence.

[3:21] There is currently a peaceful march taking place in the streets of downtown Naperville. Prior to mobilizing, Mayor Steve Chirico joined protesters in a sign of solidarity by kneeing on the corner of Washington and Chicago.

Signs and chants have reflected many of the sentiments in recent days from across the country, including “I can’t breath” and “No justice, no peace”.

Police are aiding the march by cordoning off streets for safe and peaceful marching.

[3:05] Protesters gathered on the corner of Washington and Chicago for a peaceful protest.

[3:03] Governor JB Pritzker will hold media availability at 4:30 in the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago.

[2:53] Northwestern Medicine has opted to close select locations in anticipation of protests and potential riots

[2:45] There is a light protester presence in downtown Naperville. NCTV17’s Casey Krajewski’s went live on Facebook

[1:21] Aurora remains in a state of emergency after multiple fires and incidents of gunfire aimed at police took place last night. Curfew will again go into effect at 8:30PM.


[12:43] Fox Valley Mall will remain closed until Wednesday, June 3rd

[12:07] With potential protests this afternoon in Naperville and nearby cities, the Naperville Police Department closed City Hall at noon and has encouraged downtown businesses to follow suit.

[11:54AM] Naperville Running Company has tweeted that they are following the orders, though the assertion of a city ordinance is false.

[11:48] In response to this suggestion from police, Nichols Library has announced it closed at noon.

Stay tuned for continuing developments as we will update this post.

Remember to turn to Naperville Community Television for all the latest Naperville News.