Tensions continues to escalate in the U.S. since the police shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile last week, and the recent Dallas shooting, in which 11 police officers were shot, five fatally. Chicago is the latest city to make headlines after over 100 protesters infiltrated downtown Chicago for hours on Saturday, July 9. Beginning at the Taste of Chicago, the protest moved to Water Tower Place and then into the South Loop.
At 10 p.m., the gathering became chaotic when several people were put into handcuffs near South Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road. At one point, several bottles were thrown at police officers on horses.
Most of the day’s march throughout the city was peaceful with chants of “No justice, no peace” and “Hands up, don’t shoot.” Some protesters were just inside the gates of the food and music festival chanting, “This is our city. These are our streets.” Festival rules prohibit signs from being brought into the Grant Park event, so the majority of the group remained on the perimeter of the entrance gates.
Protesters say there is no police accountability, citing the police killings of Sterling in Louisiana and Castile in Minnesota. It sadly could get a lot worse before it gets better. Compassion for one another is needed now more than ever. We are living in some of the most tumultuous times since the Civil Rights Era.
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