On Sunday, May 31, 2020, shortly after 3 p.m., several individuals gathered in the parking lot of Marketplace Mall. Moments later, several vehicles arrived, and individuals immediately began looting and vandalizing area businesses, leading to civil unrest. This criminal behavior quickly spread throughout Champaign and lasted until approximately 2 a.m. on Monday, June 1.
Immediately upon the criminal activity starting, Champaign Police, who were staged on scene, began attempts to verbally de-escalate the situation and secure area businesses. The entire Champaign Police Department was mobilized, and mutual aid was requested and received from the Urbana Police Department, University of Illinois Police Department, Parkland College, Mahomet Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, United States Marshals Service, and the Illinois Department of Conservation Police. Champaign Police would like to thank those agencies who responded and offered their support.
“This is a challenging time for our city and our country, and our Department shares your frustration around recent law enforcement injustices, including the most recent national tragedy of George Floyd’s senseless death involving a former Minneapolis police officer. We are committed to supporting and protecting lawful and peaceful protests, but violent rioting, looting and putting your fellow neighbor at risk is not the answer to fostering community dialogue and meaningful progress.” Said Chief of Police Anthony Cobb.” I want to commend all officers for their composure, professionalism and de-escalation tactics during the recent unrest. An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the planned riot and if there was criminal intent.”
In response, 27 individuals have been placed under arrest, combining for 36 offenses.
- Aggravated Battery (1)
- Criminal Damage to Property (1)
- Possession of Burglary Tools (1)
- Resisting a Police Officer (1)
- Retail Theft (1)
- Mob Action (2)
- Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer (2)
- Criminal Trespass (3)
- Possession of Stolen Property (4)
- Burglary (20)
Several Champaign Police Officers received minor injuries after being physically assaulted; however, no officer required hospitalization. Four Champaign Police squad cars were also damaged.
Unfortunately, dozens of businesses have been impacted by the looting and experienced significant property damage. As we continue to investigate the events, Champaign Police are providing a letter to help business owners identify next steps in the process and how police can be reached directly to help support them moving forward.
This remains an active investigation, and more information may be released as it becomes available.
Police request anyone with information on the individuals responsible for instigating the civil unrest to please call 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately with police. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS); online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Champaign Police reminds citizens that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are routed to a third-party national call center that receives your information, completes a tips information form, and then passes the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded.