Chicago police, protesters clash during bid to topple statue

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

CHICAGO (AP) — Protesters trying to topple a Christopher Columbus statue in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park clashed with police who used batons to beat people and made at least a dozen arrests after they say protesters targeted them with fireworks, rocks and other items.

The clash Friday evening unfolded after at least 1,000 people tried to swarm the statue in a failed attempt to topple it following a rally in support of Black and Indigenous people.

Police said 18 officers were injured and at least 12 people were arrested during the clash. Four protesters were also hurt during the confrontation, which led local elected officials and activists to condemn the officers’ tactics.

“We unequivocally condemn Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s decision to send the Chicago police to beat, arrest, and terrorize the demonstrators and journalists gathered in Grant Park tonight,” a group of elected officials said in a statement released late Friday.

Read more: https://apnews.com/6301748f987f7e59367a3afc1705c068

[Jake Stern]

1. Guess these elected officials missed the video of "protestors" throwing fireworks, rocks, bottles

and more at police. That's not peaceful, that's a riot.

[Merlot]

2. Or so they say. I find believing police justifications to be difficult.

...and made at least a dozen arrests after they say protesters targeted them with fireworks, rocks and other items.

[ripcord]

7. They aren't the only ones who say

Link to tweet

[Hassin Bin Sober]

8. Yeah, that shit happens when cops bust in to a peaceful protest with tear gas and batons.

I lost all respect (what little I had left) for Chicago cops when they got away with blasting Sweet
Home Alabama during a march.

Chicago cops are both instigators and crybabies.

[The Magistrate]

3. Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes, Sir

Anyone who is going after a statue at this point is part of the problem, and not helping the situation at all. I expect the police did over-react, they usually do. Anyone volunteering for such treatment over a statue has little ground for complaint.

[Adelante]

4. Agreed nt

[perfessor]

5. My sentiments exactly.

[Owl]

6. Exactly.

[Merlot]

9. Going after a statue is not part of the problem, though trumpft would have you think so