When will Chauvin’s trial be completed? Gov. JB Pritzker brings National Guard to Chicago ahead of George Floyd’s death sentence

CHICAGO (WLS) – Many downtown Chicago businesses had been boarded up Tuesday morning, and Gov. JB Pritzker is bringing National Guard into town pending a verdict in former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd.

At the request of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Pritzker said he will deploy 125 National Guard members to support the Chicago police from Tuesday.

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“The Illinois National Guard will carry out a limited mission to help control street fences and will not hinder peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights, much the same role that Guard members played in previous deployments,” Pritzker’s office said in a statement. written explanation.

Soldiers assigned to the mission are from the 33rd Military Police Battalion and have been specially trained in riot control operations, the statement said.

“It is critical that those who wish to peacefully protest against the systemic racism and injustice that is holding back too many of our communities can continue to do so. Members of the Guard and Illinois State Police will support the City of Chicago’s efforts to protect the rights of peaceful protesters and keep our families safe, ” Pritzker said in a written statement on Monday.

Pritzker’s office also said the Illinois State Police will support CPD with additional troopers.

RELATED: Derek Chauvin Trial: Ex-cop murder case in George Floyd’s death goes to jury

ISP told I-Team they are in contact with the Chicago Police Department to assist with peaceful protests and to protect the community. They have not been asked to assist in Minnesota, as some other local states have.

Some businesses along the Magnificent Mile and elsewhere in town have been boarded up since last Thursday, when video of the fatal Chicago police shoot 13-year-old Adam Toledo was released.

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications is also preparing for the jury’s decision, but said there is “no useful information at this time.”

Infrastructure assets will be strategically staged to ensure security, OEMC said.

WATCH: Legal analyst discusses ongoing lawsuit against Chauvin

Chauvin, 45, is charged with second degree murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. All three charges require the jury to conclude that Chauvin’s actions were a “substantial causal factor” in Floyd’s death and that his use of force was unreasonable. He was seen kneeling on Floyd’s neck before the black man’s death.

The most serious charge can lead to up to 40 years in prison.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.