Volunteers Clean Up $3M In Damage After Aurora Protests

AURORA, IL — More than 100 volunteers showed up in downtown Aurora early Monday morning to clean up broken glass and tear gas canisters strewn throughout the area after peaceful protests turned violent Sunday night.

Photos and videos shared widely Monday on social media show people sweeping up broken glass at numerous downtown businesses, including the Happy Daze smoke shop, the Hercules Gallery of Hair salon and Aurora Jewelry, which were looted amid protests against the killing of black citizens by police.

Peaceful Protests End With Rioting, Looting In Downtown Aurora

Hundreds demonstrated peacefully Sunday afternoon outside the city’s police department on Indian Trail Road. Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and Police Chief Kristen Ziman spoke with protesters for about 30 minutes before the demonstration moved to the Chicago Premium Outlets.

Downtown Aurora Closed To Traffic Monday Evening: Police

After being turned away from the mall by dozens of police officers in riot gear, protesters walked 5 miles to City Hall, where they were again met by riot-equipped police. The demonstration turned violent about 90 minutes later when officers fired tear gas toward protesters about a block from City Hall.

17 Arrested, 1 Officer Injured Amid Protests, Looting In Aurora

A vast majority of protesters continued to demonstrate peacefully throughout Sunday afternoon and evening, but at least 17 people were arrested after multiple police vehicles and buildings were set on fire late Sunday night, according to police. The Family Dollar store on New York Street was destroyed Sunday night after being set on fire by looters, according to police and fire officials.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said Monday that several police vehicles had bullet holes in them, but no officers reported being shot at during the night of unrest.

Aurora Curfew Extended Through Tuesday Morning: Mayor Irvin

Mayor Irvin on Monday estimated the total damage to businesses and city property was more than $3 million.

Speaking from City Hall on Monday, Irvin said he was “honored” to participate in the protest outside the city’s police department headquarters on Indian Trail Road.

“Let me simply begin by saying I understand. I understand the hurt and outrage of the horrendous killing of George Floyd. I understand the hurt and outrage of the killing of Breonna Taylor. I understand the hurt and outrage of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin,” Irvin said.

He later expressed frustration that the peaceful demonstration “was hijacked by others and turned into a destructive night of vandalism, looting and terror.”

Police Urge Businesses In Fox Valley Mall Area To Close Monday

“What I don't understand is how the numbers grew significantly, with people from outside of Aurora using strategic methods to stir discord and encourage mass confusion and crime,” Irvin said. “I do not understand nor do I condone this violence and destruction.”

“At that point, it was not a protest for the life of George Floyd. It became an opportunity for others to take advantage of the situation, to insert themselves into the crowd, to incite those who may have been there for good, initially, but caused as much damage as possible,” Irvin said.