I'm on my way to Grant Park, where it appears at the Columbus statue is surrounded by protesters and police officers. I'll be there in a few minutes on bike. Here's one of the squad cars that I've seen heading towards the South Loop.
As we approach the Columbus statue, there is a group of people gathered on a bridge watching the police go by in Grant Park
Gas has been deployed at the Columbus statue here in Chicago at the moment. I'm coughing a lot here and am staying on the outskirts because I lack proper protection for myself. #Chicago
First photo was from a few minutes ao. Protesters have been cleared away from the Columbus statue.
#OnAssignment for @BlockClubCHI
#OnAssignment for @BlockClubCHI
A cop seen carrying rope from the Columbus statue. Protesters are currently south of Roosevelt at Columbus Dr.
Protesters are moving west on Roosevelt from Columbus Dr.
Officers are the only ones left at the Columbus statue. I'm here #OnAssignment with @delvecchiograce for @BlockClubCHI
I was just assaulted by an officer for crossing the road to my bicycle while holding up my press badge and he called me a "smart ass" for doing so, accused me of wanting to start a problem. I yelled help, he said "you're gonna need help" before throwing me. @Chicago_Police
This officer shoved, grabbed, THREATENED, and assaulted me while I was wearing a @Chicago_Police issued press badge for doing my job. Inexcusable.
I'm heading home now. I'm unscathed but I will be filing a complaint with COPA. I was doing my job, trying to comply with guidance from white shirt officers and identify myself as press. I'm not the story here, but I was kept from telling stories tonight.
Thank you all for your support. Support local journalism, support those brave enough to share their voices and stand up for what they believe. Hold those in power accountable.
I was assaulted, yelled at, sworn at for identifying myself as PRESS and trying to safely leave the scene after complying with orders. The officer tried starting a problem that didn't exist. This sort of unstable emotion is a problem @Chicago_Police.
Initially I wasn't filming and didn't plan on it. I didn't want to be another story nor to distract from the real story of what was going on tonight in Chicago but I had to film when the officer became violent and started grabbing me.
And this happened to fellow journalist @MarParNews tonight...
