"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.
"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."
RELATED: Activists, Officials Condemn Police Violence After Columbus Statue Protest Turns Violent
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, 2020The 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.
