Here is Chicago DSA’s statement denouncing Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Police Department's handling of yesterday's protests which put more than a thousand lives at risk. We demand that those held in custody for involvement in protests be immediately released. 
1/ Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Police Department’s response to the protests in the wake of
George Floyd’s murder has been brutally violent, repressive, and demonstrated an extreme
disregard for human life and the right to assembly.
George Floyd’s murder has been brutally violent, repressive, and demonstrated an extreme
disregard for human life and the right to assembly.
2/ The Chicago chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (CDSA) demands that Mayor Lori Lightfoot immediately end the city curfew, allow freedom of movement by keeping drawbridges lowered and CTA service running downtown...
3/ ...and drop all charges and release those arrested during yesterday’s protest. In a display of unprecedented mass action, thousands took to the streets in Chicago yesterday both on the foot and in cars caravanning across the loop.
4/ The moving display of solidarity and shared sorrow of protesters was met by the CPD with tear gas, baton battery, and more than 1,000 arrests. The aggression by CPD officers on the ground was intensified by the city
lowering drawbridges and suspending CTA service downtown,
lowering drawbridges and suspending CTA service downtown,
5/ followed by a 9PM - 6AM curfew
announced by Mayor Lightfoot in a press conference less than 40 minutes prior to it taking effect, which the Mayor described as “ample notice”. These decisions by the city trapped
protesters downtown where they were open targets for the CPD.
announced by Mayor Lightfoot in a press conference less than 40 minutes prior to it taking effect, which the Mayor described as “ample notice”. These decisions by the city trapped
protesters downtown where they were open targets for the CPD.
6/ It is impossible to shelter in place or observe curfew when held captive. It is impossible to keep social distance in a paddy wagon or a jail cell. Mayor Lightfoot knows the consequences of these actions.
7/ Chicago does not belong to Mayor Lightfoot, the police, or to the wealthy and powerful. It belongs to its people. If the Mayor does not take immediate action and restore the right to assembly and freedom of movement, the situation will only escalate.
8/ CDSA calls upon all its
members and allies to mobilize rapidly in response to these brutal tactics.
members and allies to mobilize rapidly in response to these brutal tactics.
