CU community cleans up looting aftermath, prepares for more protests
Green Street in Champaign, IL winds down at sunset on April 14.
June 1, 2020
On Sunday evening, Champaign, Urbana and Savoy issued a curfew in effect until 6 a.m. due to “civil disturbances” following the protests over the death of George Floyd.
Earlier that day, businesses in Champaign such as the Market Place Mall, Meijer, Target and other stores were looted.
Videos surfaced on social media of the looting taking place at the Market Place Mall in Champaign. In the videos, multiple individuals were seen with baseball bats breaking glass windows at stores such as Macy’s.
The organizers of the “Black Lives Matter: March for Peace, March for Justice” peaceful protest were not affiliated with the incident.
In another video, a group of people stood in front of Target in an attempt to protect the store from looting. They were heard chanting “There is a better way” as they stood in broken glass.
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Members of the CU community scheduled a cleanup at 10 a.m. on Monday at the Market Place Mall to clean up debris from the aftermath.
Others planned to gather at Walmart with trash bags to clean up parking lots. They then regrouped to continue the cleanup down Green Street.
At 3 p.m. on Monday the peaceful protests will continue at the Champaign County Courthouse.
Katie Blakeman, Champaign County Circuit Clerk said the following in a public statement released regarding today’s scheduled protest:
“In the Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s Office, we are committed to providing every resident of Champaign County with improved access to justice. We also affirm that #BlackLivesMatter. My friends and neighbors, when you are hurting, I hurt with you. I was born here in Champaign County, and I love this community. During today’s protest at the Champaign County Protest, I will be there. Yes, to stand in solidarity with you, but mostly to listen.”
Due to yesterday’s lootings, some stores will be closing early today before the protests continue. The City of Urbana announced an early closing of noon to avoid protests. Carle pharmacy on Broadway Street will be closing at 2 p.m.
The Market Place Mall and Binny’s Beverage Depot are among the stores that will be closed until Tuesday morning.
