Large-scale Riot in Chicago, USA Over Fake News Claiming "Police Killed Someone"

Breaking Glass and Stealing Items at Luxury Stores
Over 100 Arrested by Police... 13 Officers Injured
City Entry Restricted from 8 PM to 6 AM

Chicago Louis Vuitton store building defensive walls after looting damage
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] On the early morning of the 10th (local time), hundreds of people looted and engaged in gunfights on Michigan Avenue, Chicago's busiest district, after a false rumor spread that the police had shot and killed someone.

On the 10th, Chicago media reported that a large-scale riot broke out in Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, due to a fake tweet circulating on the internet.

On Michigan Avenue, a man wearing gloves, seemingly to hide his fingerprints, was seen gathering items. Women were also spotted walking while clutching piles of clothes.

There was even a passenger car charging toward store windows.

People who broke the store windows and entered began smashing anti-theft devices and looting items.

Hundreds of people pouring onto the streets raided not only luxury brand stores but also large supermarkets from midnight until dawn.

They broke windows and doors to enter stores such as Apple, Best Buy, Tesla, as well as luxury brand stores like Louis Vuitton, Armani, and Omega watches, grabbing items and fleeing.

Chicago Oliver Peoples store targeted by riots and looting
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Some even broke into PNC Bank by smashing its windows.

When the police attempted to make arrests, people resisted by throwing homemade tear gas and bricks.

After gunfights, the police arrested about 100 people. A police spokesperson stated, "Numerous officers were injured during the riot response."

Chicago River bridges simultaneously raised to control urban traffic flow
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The incident began with fake news posted on Twitter claiming "a 15-year-old boy was killed by the police."

In reality, a suspect in his 20s fired a gun at the police while fleeing and was injured by return fire.

A post correcting the facts was uploaded on Twitter within two and a half hours, but citizens who rushed out to the streets due to the false rumor continued looting.

There were no reported Korean victims. However, merchants who had already experienced looting during the George Floyd incident in June are trembling with anxiety.

The Chicago Police Department decided to restrict entry into downtown Chicago from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the time being.