Target Closes Chicago Stores Amid George Floyd Protests

CHICAGO, IL — Target announced late Saturday that it is temporarily closing 175 stores nationwide as protests over the death of George Floyd continued, but later reduced the number of closings considerably. As of Monday, the closures included the South Loop location in Chicago, where protests sometimes turned violent over the weekend. Previously, Target said it would close seven locations in Chicago.

Over the weekend, a Target location next to the Minneapolis Police Department's third precinct was looted. Slate reported that Target, which is also headquartered in Minneapolis, has a "long history" with the police department, providing s $300,000 donation to the city to install CCTV throughout the downtown area and establishing a "SafeZone" program to help the police department with surveillance logistics. The company has similar law enforcement programs in more than 20 U.S. cities, according to Slate.

In Chicago, businesses had windows smashed and buildings tagged with graffiti during two days of protests. Cleanup began Sunday morning after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a citywide curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and essentially shut down the Loop. The curfew will last indefinitely.

Video Shows Chicago Cops Dragged, Then Protected By Protesters

"We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing communities across the country," Target said in a statement Saturday night. "At this time, we have made the decision to close a number of our stores. We anticipate most stores will be closed temporarily. Our focus will remain on our team members' safety and helping our community heal."

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