Thousands Turn Out For Protest On Dan Ryan Expressway
CHICAGO (CBS) --
Illinois State Police said early Saturday that an agreement had been reached to allow protesters onto a portion of Interstate 94 known as the Dan Ryan Expressway.
Officers and vehicles lined up, forming a barrier to keep protesters in two northbound lanes.
But the Rev. Michael Pfleger, who's lead the march, said protesters wanted to shut down the entire roadway.
He noted the city closes major roads for parades and other occasions.
After a roughly hourlong standstill police announced they were shutting down all northbound lanes of the expressway and protesters began walking.
Pfleger, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson were walking side-by-side among them.
Not everyone was pleased with the demonstration. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner first tweeted that it was "unacceptable" and that the protesters chose "chaos."
This is unacceptable. We had clear parameters that allowed the protestors to be heard while respecting law and order. Instead, they chose instead to cause chaos.
— Governor Rauner (@GovRauner) July 7, 2018
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel responded by supporting the event and hitting back at the governor.
It was a peaceful protest. Delete your account. https://t.co/QoKyIHmuQj
— Archive: Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@MayorRahm) July 7, 2018
Tune in at 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. for complete coverage of the Dan Ryan Expressway protest on CBS 2 News.
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