DuPage Sheriff 'Welcomes Peaceful Protests,' Denounces Looting

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said in a statement Sunday that he "welcomes peaceful protests," but promised to prosecute looting and other unlawful activities. The statement comes amid ongoing unrest and protests throughout Chicago and its suburbs in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

Mendrick said of Floyd's death in his statement, "As Sheriff, I support all members of the law enforcement community who perform their daily duties with honor, integrity and honesty,” adding, “Neither I nor my office have any tolerance for any law enforcement officer who would violate the civil rights of another person or dishonor the badge of law enforcement."

The sheriff's office said in a news release that there will be zero tolerance for looting or other illegal acts. Mendrick said, "We are ever vigilant, and we are working with all other police agencies within DuPage County to keep this a safe and peaceful county. We will take any measures to keep this a safe and peaceful county. We are not going to allow looting. We will pursue, arrest and prosecute those who see this as an opportunity to commit such crimes.”

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