Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Protesters start so lets see how many go to jail

Protesters at police station

A band of several dozen protesters marched up Halsted Street this evening from the South Side through Bridgeport, where some engaged in a shouting match with residents.
The marchers, some of whom covered their faces with hoods or bandanas, began their protest at about 51st Street and Halsted, chanting obscenities about police and police brutality.

About 20 bike-riding officers repeatedly rode to the front of the crowd of about 40 demonstrators and formed an angled line across Halsted Street to funnel them back onto the sidewalk. Then officers would walk their bikes next to the sidewalk to enforce the restriction. When protesters slipped in front again, the whole process would start over.

Some curious residents tagged along during the early part of the march, which was without incident until the marchers reached Chicago Police Deering District headquarters in the Bridgeport neighborhood.

There, angry local residents shouted at the protesters to leave, while police stood between them to prevent altercations. Some protesters repeatedly yelled "De-escalate" when things appeared to get tense.

After the confrontation, marchers continued up Halsted Street to Taylor Street, ending the march about 9:30 p.m. Police reported no arrests during the three-hour march.

It was at least the second small protest of the day as demonstrators gear up for this weekend's gathering of world leaders at the May 20-21 NATO summit.

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