National Guard and State Police Prepare for Potential Unrest in Chicago
Command Sgt. Maj. Lester Edwards speaks to National Guard members in 2017.
Governor JB Pritzker said Wednesday that National Guard members were in a “state of readiness” ahead of expected demonstrations and potential unrest in Chicago following what he called “a gross miscarriage of justice” in charging a police officer who shot and killed a Kentucky woman in March.
A Kentucky grand jury indicted one police officer for three counts of “wanton endangerment.” Numerous racial justice advocates and Democratic elected officials have called for the officers involved to be charged with murder. Taylor was unarmed and shot by police five times during a gunfight with Taylor’s boyfriend, who was suspected of selling drugs. Police were attempting to execute a so-called “no knock” warrant at their residence. The officer was fired in June.
Numerous social media posts Wednesday indicated a 7pm protest is scheduled for Millennium Park in Chicago.
Public officials are worried a protest could turn violent, especially following damage and looting in the Chicago Loop last month.
“We will protect the rights of free speech, we will protect the right to protest.,” said Pritzker. He indicated looting and “mayhem” would be punished.
Pritzker also indicated that State Police would send additional resources into the Chicago area prior to the evening, but we have not been told how many troopers may be called to the area.
Requests for comment to the Illinois National Guard and Illinois State Police have not yet been returned.
This story will be updated.
