Statement from Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim

(Lake County, IL) A statement from Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim regarding recent civil unrest and property damage/looting in Lake County:

As I indicated in my original statement last week, I strongly condemn the actions of the police officers involved in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and any acts of police brutality anywhere. My heart continues to go out to family of Mr. Floyd for their loss.

While I fully support people’s right to peacefully protest and demonstrate, acts of violence in Lake County will not be tolerated. Overnight, there were several businesses in Waukegan and Lake County looted and damaged, and several police vehicles vandalized. During this destruction, several people were arrested and charged with felonies that include burglary, looting and criminal damage to property. I want to make it well known that the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute these offenders and anyone in the future who continues along this destructive path that threatens the safety of the people, law enforcement, or businesses of Lake County. Protests are designed to bring about change, but criminal conduct like this deflects attention from these important conversations and positive changes.

Let me be clear: I fully support the constitutional right of people to peacefully protest. However, we will enforce the law. I join the people of Lake County in calling for peace.

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Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office 18 N. County Street Waukegan, IL 60085  Phone: (847) 377-3000