New videos, photos show weekend chaos on Chicago's downtown streets

CHICAGO - New videos and photos obtained by FOX 32 Chicago on Monday show more of the chaos that unfolded on downtown city streets over the weekend.

Now, city leaders are vowing to do more to protect the community from wild incidents like what took place near Millennium Park.

On Saturday, a large group of teens crowded downtown streets. Some of them jumped on cars – smashing windows – and two teens were wounded by gunfire in the crowds.

Chicago police said nine adults and six juveniles were arrested. Most were charged with reckless conduct. A 16-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, and two people were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.

None of the arrests were made in connection with the shooting of the teens.

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The Chicago Police Department released the following statement on Monday:

"The Chicago Police Department’s top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors, including our city’s youth. The reckless, disruptive and violent behavior that was seen downtown this past weekend will not be tolerated. We encourage our young people to be safe and responsible as they enjoy their weekends, but anyone engaged in criminal activity will be arrested and held accountable."

"We strongly encourage parents to accompany their teens or have them remain under the supervision of a responsible adult," the police department added.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the behavior "reckless, disrespectful and unlawful." But she said that many were there to have a good time and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather.

"As I have said before, we as a city cannot and will not allow any of our public spaces to become a platform for criminal conduct," Lightfoot said in a statement. "Most importantly, parents and guardians must know where their children are and be responsible for their actions. Instilling the important values of respect for people and property must begin at home."

She said she has been in communication with CPD leadership and they have assured her "that they will make the necessary adjustments to address these teen trends issues as we move into the summer months."

In a statement, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said that though he does not condone the "destructive activity" that took place downtown, it was not constructive to demonize youth who he said have been starved of opportunities in their own communities.

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th Ward) said that this behavior is unacceptable, but that these incidents could be prevented.

"I don't justify this behavior, but think about this: would they be downtown if they had things in their own community?" said Taylor.

Illinois State Senator Robert Peters defended the Chicago "Teen Takeover" – claiming it was simply "a mass protest against poverty and segregation."

Activists concerned about the safety of their communities gathered Sunday to ask Chicago police to increase patrols downtown.

"Downtown used to be a beautiful place, you used to want to take a walk downtown, but now it’s so scary," activist and U.S. Postal Service worker Patrick Gibbons said. "It needs to get better, otherwise people will leave Chicago."

State Rep. Kam Buckner, who recently ran for mayor, reacted to the chaotic night on Twitter. He said "anyone with a heart" will look at what happened over the weekend "and feel disgusted, upset and pissed off."

Buckner said difficult conversations need to be had with city leadership to come up with a plan and accused them of being silent so far.

"It’s seems that this administration is in its ‘senioritis’ stage, but to be clear — they are still in charge. Please, leave on a strong note and don’t add to your legacy of lethargic leadership. Say something, do something," he said.

In a statement, the Chicago Loop Alliance said it was "saddened" by the events Saturday night.

"We hope to work together as a community to find a solution that benefits Loop businesses, visitors and residents while remaining everyone’s neighborhood."

On Friday, a 14-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting after another large group of teens gathered at 31st Street Beach. The shooting occurred about 8:50 p.m. in the 3100 block of South Lake Shore Drive, according to police. The boy suffered a gunshot wound to his left thigh and was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition.

According to police, a 17-year-old boy who was at the beach was arrested and charged with four felony counts, including unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen gun and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.