BLM and organized urban warfare in Chicago. Violent Chicago Protest Leaves 16 Police Officers Injured, 24 People Arrested.
16 Chicago police officers have been injured and at least 24 people were arrested after a protest turned violent this weekend.
Authorities initially reported peaceful daytime protests in downtown Chicago on Saturday. However, a separate protest in the evening turned violent when so-called “agitators” used bottles, skateboards, bicycles and mace to assault officers.
The following video footage shows the initial incident that sparked yesterday's violence and arrests, as well as the aggravated battery against a CPD officer with a skateboard. More video will be released throughout the day as it is received. pic.twitter.com/oW7Z3oGKSZ
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) August 16, 2020
Police defended their actions to control the violence, which included using pepper spray and batons.
“To protect the peaceful protesters, as well as their fellow officers, our officers responded proportionally to get the situation under control,” stated Chief David Brown. “As a result of their violent criminal acts, Chicago Police Department made 24 total arrests, including four for felonies, aggravated battery on a police officer.”
Superintendent @ChiefDavidBrown addressed the media related to CPD’s response to violent criminal acts downtown, leading to 24 total arrests, including four felony arrests.
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) August 16, 2020
Click the link to watch the full media briefing: https://t.co/PVDOSnvCwB pic.twitter.com/7O9cR810i7
The city has been a battleground between police and protesters since March amid often violent demonstrations against police brutality.