On Saturday, April 22, Chicago police initiated a 10 p.m. city-wide under-18 curfew, along with other new safety protocols at Millenium Park because of a “Chicago Teen Takeover.”

The statement, released by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) after the weekend, stated that unaccompanied minors can not be out past 10 p.m. At Millenium Park, minors entering the park must be accompanied by someone 21 years or older after 6 p.m. 

“The reckless, disruptive and violent behavior that was seen downtown this past weekend will not be tolerated,” the police said in the statement. “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.”

According to ABC7 news, a “large gathering of teenagers” at Millenium Park on Saturday resulted in physical damage and assault. According to FOX32, gunshots could be heard on the corner of Michigan and Madison streets.

Two teenagers were injured by the gunshots. One woman said her husband was beaten after teenagers smashed their car. 

According to ABC7, Chicago police during the incident had “little command direction, no helmets and shields and helter-skelter communication.” Former chief of director of the CPD, Gene Roy, gave the CPD a warning about what could happen during the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), set in Chicago.

“You know, you have to wonder if somebody in Washington at the DNC is going to wonder if we made a bad choice here. You know, you have to wonder what the response is going to be. This is a critical time for the city. We have an interim police superintendent, we have this management team that doesn’t know if they’re coming or going literally,” Roy said.

Social Studies teacher Pankaj Sharma commented about the parallels between the DNC during 1968 in Chicago and what the DNC in 2024 could look like.

“It’s a risk whenever you invite the focus of the national, international media to your city. It’s an opportunity to show how great the city is, if the weather’s nice, and beaches are open and the restaurants are doing well,” Sharma said. “People want to come visit. If there’s some disturbance, you also invite in protest with this disturbance. If people feel unsafe, then the narrative can respond the other way. So I do think there’s been a lot of pressure in the city of Chicago and a new mayor to showcase the city in a positive way especially because people are going to want to draw the parallel to 1968 which is the most controversial and chaotic convention in U.S. history.”

The police also commented on tourism in Chicago after the riots.

“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer including the popular downtown area, but criminal activity will never be tolerated,” police said in a statement, according to FOX32. “Those engaged in criminal activity will be arrested and held accountable.”

Following the riots, Chicago residents who live by Millenium Park commented about the new safety protocols issued.

“I think it’s necessary. It’s good. I think it would reassure visitors and visitors to our city,” said a Chicago resident, according to ABC7. “We can’t allow for chaos that’s happening downtown and anywhere in the city for that matter.”

“I don’t know, it looks to me like the reaction’s been kind of overblown,” said another Chicago resident, commenting on the police response. 

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, a progressive Democrat, commented on the takeovers as well, calling for public safety reforms.

“Our city must work together to create spaces for youth to gather safely and responsibly, under adult guidance and supervision, to ensure that every part of our city remains welcome for both residents and visitors,” Johnson said, according to the NY Post.

According to Sharma, Johnson was not the “Law and Order candidate,” and was not endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police. 

“I think probably Brandon Johnson’s toughest job at first is going to be trying navigating this issue, this perception of crime in Chicago, and the perceived strained relationship between the mayor and the police,” Sharma said.

Community organizations and nonprofits have been developing new initiatives in the wake of the shootings. CEO of “I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot” nonprofit, Early Walker, unveiled a texting line called “Parents for Chicago,” which alerts parents when there is a large teen gathering, according to ABC7. Parents can text “CHICAGOKIDS” to 21000 or email tips at [email protected].