CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After a Friday night protest in Grant Park led to
clashes with police and protesters, Mayor Lightfoot took to Twitter to condemn the violence that erupted from both sides.She said she does not tolerate violence to police or by police toward protesters but has spoken to the director of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to ensure every complaint filed will be investigated.
"If you believe you have been mistreated by the police, then I urge you to file a complaint through COPA or by dialing 311," the mayor said.
The mayor also said, however, that the violent acts of some of the protesters is "unacceptable and put everyone at risk."
"This is a difficult moment in our history. I know Chicagoans are frustrated and impatient for change," Lightfoot said on Twitter. "It is my sincere hope that we can strike the right balance to ensure people can rightfully express themselves & their First Amendment rights, but do so in a way that does not put anyone’s physical safety at risk. That would be consistent with our long history of peaceful protest."
Police said 12 individuals have been arrested and 18 officers were injured. Some were taken to hospitals while others were treated on the scene.
Several protesters were injured as well, including activist Miracle Boyd, who was punched by an officer who knocked her teeth out. The incident was caught on video and organizers demanding justice for Boyd have started a
GoFundMe that has quickly amassed over $45,000 for her recovery.
Hundreds took to the streets yesterday to express their First Amendment right to protest. I unequivocally support and will always fight for the rights of individuals to peacefully protest on any issue.
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor)
July 18, 2020 Lightfoot said she supports the rights of Chicagoans to protest peacefully on any issue and said she is engaged in an ongoing dialogue about how to best honor the life and legacy of indigenous people.
Italian Americans have expressed anger over the defacing and attempted to topple the statue, while others told WBBM
they want to see it gone. The attempt to pull down the statue of Columbus comes as demonstrators across the country have targeted monuments to historical figures now considered racist. The movement gained traction following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and some states have succeeded in taking the historical figure down.
