Protest briefly shuts down Chicago street
CHICAGO — After days of speeches and anticipation, about 150 protesters took over Lake Shore Drive near Belmont Avenue on Thursday for an anti-violence demonstration designed to disrupt the evening rush hour. Chicago police shut down both the northbound and southbound lanes of the drive for a time, although northbound traffic resumed within an hour of the march’s start.
Protesters shouting “Shut it down! Shut it down!” walked from the grassy area west of the drive onto the southbound lanes about 4:15 p.m. as dozens of police officers looked on.
Protest organizers are calling for the resignations of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson. “There are too many killings in Chicago, there are too many police-involved killings in Chicago,” said one of the demonstration’s organizers, Tio Hardiman. “It’s time to change the narrative in Chicago.”
Demonstrators wrote messages in chalk onto the asphalt of Lake Shore Drive.
City snowplows blocked traffic on the drive in the vicinity of the protest. Traffic was at a standstill as motorists were forced to exit the roadway. Curious onlookers and media members also converged on the scene.
By 5 p.m., the drive was reopened to traffic. After protesting on the lanes of Lake Shore Drive, the demonstrators were proceeding to Wrigley Field. Eastbound Addison Street between Racine and Clark streets was closed to traffic.
The Chicago Cubs are hosting the San Diego Padres, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The ballpark gates generally open to fans two hours before the game. The Cubs have assured fans they will be able to safely enter Wrigley Field without disruption. The team has urged fans to avoid Lake Shore Drive on their way to the game.
As the protest neared its start time, the grassy easement leading to the southbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive began to fill with demonstrators, many of whom brought signs condemning police-involved shootings and overall gun violence. Nearby cars continued to zip by as bike cops lingered farther back in silent formation.
Still, there were a number of nearby residents and onlookers who watched as the numbers grew. Julie Swislow, a Lincoln Park resident, arrived to the meeting place because although she didn’t plan on participating, she wanted to show her support despite the minor inconvenience for her and her neighbors.
“It’s good to be a little uncomfortable. It’s one day of discomfort, not a lifetime of discomfort,” she said, referring to violence on the South and West sides. Others weren’t as receptive. A man wearing a Grateful Dead shirt and riding a bike yelled from a distance, “Influence children in a positive way!” After having words with a protester, the cyclist rolled away, saying, “Get out of my face and raise your kids!”