Chicago officials remain on alert Wednesday, as a series of demonstrations are planned in the aftermath of this week’s elections.
Here are the latest updates from around the city:
9:39 p.m.: Hundreds Take to Streets of Chicago as Presidential Election Results Remain Uncertain
As President Donald Trump’s legal team prepares a series of lawsuits in key battleground states after Tuesday’s election, hundreds of protesters gathered in Chicago on Wednesday night to call for a full counting of the ballots from that race.
Made up of several different groups, the protesters were unified behind a simple message: let every vote count.
“Although there are so many feelings, we are pretty clear on how we’re going to act: shut these streets down, and make sure that every vote is counted,” Kobi Guillory of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression said.
NBC 5's Natalie Martinez will have more details on our newscast at 10 p.m.
8:20 p.m.: Chicago Police Continue to Monitor Downtown Protests
According to Total Traffic, protesters that marched through downtown on Wednesday night have returned to Daley Plaza, although some streets in the area remain closed at this time.
No CTA schedule alterations have been reported as a result of the protests, although rolling street closures have been reported in areas just south of the Chicago River near the Central Business District.
Local
6:20 p.m.: Daley Plaza Protesters on Move Through Downtown Area
According to OEMC, protesters in downtown are moving from Daley Plaza toward Michigan Avenue. It is expected that the protesters will march up Michigan toward Wacker Drive, then over to Clark Street and back to Daley Plaza.
The office advises motorists that rolling closures are possible.
NBC 5's Natalie Martinez is on the ground covering the protests:
5:26 p.m.: Daley Plaza Protesters Plan to March to Jackson/Columbus
4:37 p.m.: Traffic Disruptions Possible Near Daley Plaza
A series of demonstrations planned near Chicago's Daley Plaza could impact traffic in the area, according to social media posts by the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
4:30 p.m.: Chicago Police Prepared for Protests, Demonstrations Wednesday
In a Facebook post Wednesday, the department says it is “preparing to facilitate anticipated demonstrations while ensuring that First Amendment rights are protected:”
Multiple demonstrations are planned for Wednesday, including several at Chicago’s Daley Plaza in the first block of West Washington Street.
While police and officials are remaining vigilant about any potential issues, things remained calm in the city Tuesday, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot praised Chicago residents for being peaceful as election returns began to come in.
“As we anxiously await the outcome of the presidential and other races, I am heartened that our city remains calm and peaceful,” Lightfoot said. “This election has generated a lot of emotions on all sides. There will be a lot of chatter until the election results are verified, but it’s crucial for us as a city to be focused and diligent to be sure, but also calm and peaceful. Let’s channel our emotions into a productive expression of our First Amendment rights.”
Although things did remain peaceful in downtown, the Wabash Avenue bridge was raised Tuesday in a preemptive move to ward off potential unrest near Trump Tower, according to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
Some businesses in the downtown area also boarded up their windows and doors, while Chicago police stepped up patrols.
