Chicago City Wire

Chicago house party hosts are under orders to not "be stupid" in plans for - or to attend - large gatherings amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic because the city is "watching you," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a recent news conference.

"This is how it's going to be, we will shut you down," Lightfoot said in a live stream that is not included on the city's website page of live streamed videos but was posted to YouTube by a local television news outlet. "We will cite you and if we need to, we will arrest you and we will take you to jail. Period."

Lightfoot warned city residents to not "make us treat you like a criminal, but if you act like a criminal and you violate the law and you refuse to do what is necessary to save lives in this city during a pandemic we will take you to jail, period.”

Lightfoot appeared for the live stream with the city’s new Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown as Chicago Police blue emergency lights flashed in the background. Lightfoot spoke in a stern tone throughout the live stream, frequently raising her voice and gesturing to drive her point home.

"I've called this news conference because of widespread house parties and other large gatherings that took place last night," Lightfoot said in the May 2 live stream.

The gatherings included parties that Chicago Police "broke up," Lightfoot said.

"Fifty and even 150 people," she continued. "Unfortunately, we know that more are planned."

Lightfoot said she wasn't surprised by the parties, "given the warm weather."

"We've all been cooped up, we all miss our friends and we all want to go outside and gather in groups," Lightfoot continued. "However, those aspirations simply cannot become a reality in the middle of a pandemic. Those desires are absolutely no excuse for breaking the law, ignoring the stay-at-home order, violating social distance and putting you and everyone you come into contact with at risk."

Lightfoot also commended Chicago residents who inform on their neighbors' gatherings.

"We know the heroes in our communities are doing exactly what they need to do," Lightfoot said. "Even going a step further and telling us we're some of these parties are actually happening. We commend the people who are stepping up and recognizing that they have a responsibility and that we all have a responsibility."

Lightfoot said she has ordered Brown "to give special attention to these parties."

Noncompliant Chicago residents who host, promote or attend a party can expect consequences, Lightfoot said.

"We're not playing games,"  Lightfoot said. "We mean business and we're going to shut this done once one way or there other. The time for education people into compliance is over. Don't be stupid, don't come out, don't advertise on social media. We're watching you and we are going to take decisive action."