Chicago Protest March. Pictures and summary.

[Us vs Them]

Protesters were herded to Washington Square Park


Chicago Police in riot gear followed to facilitate traffic and keep protesters in line








Temporary rally at Washington Square Park. Protest leaders and law enforcement agencies continue to work on permit concerns


March down Clark St. From Oak to the rally at Federal Plaza


This march had a band and colourguard (not pictured aside from the tuba)


Four large busses ready to cart away troublemakers. Law enforcement in riot gear followed the perimeters of the march the entire way and blocked traffic from side streets. Bystanders seemed supportive, to say the least.

From a participant's point of view, this march appeared well orchestrated, and with minimal (if any) aggression or tension. Apparently there was some animosity with regard to where we were allowed to march (Michigan Ave. vs. Clark St.) but three court cases and the arrest of one protest leader later, a route was agreed upon.

The rally at Federal Plaza was the centre congregation for hundreds of people. There was a stage for speakers, a collection of media satellite trucks, and the reverberating echoes of helicopters hovering overhead. All of which added to the spirit of a rather concerned crowd, assembled under the most unfortunate of circumstances. Between cheers of government accountability, calls to bring our troops home, and the sense of no longer bearing to be ignored, the rally was host to many influential speakers. Food Not Bombs provided complimentary food for attendees, and independent sources of media were circulating the crowd to pass out literature.

We most certainly are not alone.
Power to the people.

[paineinthearse]

1. Looks like you had a great turn-out

Why the hell do the police need to be in RIOT gear for a PEACE rally?

really!

[blogbear]

2. Glad it turned out..

Don't forget '68..Hasn't peaceful protest always cofronted riot gear?

[Us vs Them]

3. No idea on the official count

Suspect hundreds. Sorry I have no pictures of the main rally, but apparently quite a few marches fed into that central location.

As for the riot gear, it was a bit concerning. As were the huge busses capable of incarcerating many at will. They'll be ready if we happen to fall 'out of line.'