Chicago Mayor Threatens Jail For Ignoring Stay-At-Home Order: 'We'll Shut You Down'
Democrat Lori Lightfoot issues harsh warnings for residents amid coronavirus pandemic
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Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot threatened residents who are ignoring the government's stay-at-home orders with citations and arrests.
Lightfoot said gatherings of between 50 and 150 people were broke up by Chicago police after a tip-off on Saturday, according to ABC 7.
During a press conference on Saturday, Lightfoot warned:
"We will shut you down, we will cite you, and if we need to, we will arrest you, and we will take you to jail."
On the subject of gatherings, Lightfoot added:
"This frankly doesn't come as a surprise, given the warm weather. We've all been cooped up."
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"We all miss our friends, and we all want to go outside and gather in groups," she added.
"However, those aspirations simply cannot become a reality in the middle of a pandemic."
"If you host a party, promote a party, or go to a party, we are not playing games."
"We mean business, and we will shut this down one way or another," she said, NBC Chicago reported.
"The time for educating people into compliance is over. Don’t be stupid," she continued.
"We’re watching you, and we’re going to take decisive action."
WATCH:
STAY AT HOME MANDATE ENFORCEMENT: Mayor Lightfoot joins @Chicago_Police and @ChicagoBACP to remind residents that the City continues to enforce the Stay at Home order. https://t.co/JTL91L3S6o
— Mayor Lightfoot #StayHomeSaveLives (@chicagosmayor) May 2, 2020
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But despite the Mayor's harsh warnings, last month she was caught flouting the city's social distancing measures by getting a haircut, despite ordering the public to "stay at home."
An image emerged online of her posing with her hairdresser in April.
Lightfoot and her hairdresser are also stood shoulder-to-shoulder - ignoring advice to keep six feet apart - while neither of them is wearing a mask.
Lightfoot also faced backlash for signing an executive order last month for giving coronavirus benefits to all immigrants, refugees, and illegal aliens.
Several programs have been launched by the city of Chicago to assist residents financially during the e COVID-19 pandemic.
