Read full article here: [ Ссылка ]



Chicagos top cop said his officers were ambushed during violent clashesbetween protesters and police last week near a statue of Christopher Columbus as objects were hurled at officers during heated confrontations between the groups. Police Superintendent David Brown said his departmenthas faced "organized actions to provoke violent responses from our officers" during a Monday news briefing where a video of Fridays events at Grant Park was released. He said peaceful demonstrations spanning several weeks have been hijacked by what he called "organized mobs. "Officials said the six-minute compilation video released by the Chicago Police Department shows demonstrators dressed in black using umbrellas to shieldthemselves while hurling frozen water bottles and cans, rocks, explosivesand other items at officers. In the video, many officers retreat behind the statue or hold up riot shields during the incident. Protesters hid behind the umbrellas and banners to changeinto black clothing, police said. The footage also captures people distributing itemsto throw at police, while others usedsharpened PVC pipe to stabofficers, officials said. Brown said 49 police officers were injured, including one with a broken eye socket and another who had a broken kneecap. Twelve people were arrested for mob action, damage to property and attacking police officers. "We cannot be a city that thinks mob action of a crowd is acceptable behavior," Brown said, noting that when chaotic protests occur, the department is forced to divert manpower from policing high-crime areas. The city reported 63 people shot and 12 killed over another violent weekend. In response to Fridays events, Brown said hes orderedall officers to wearany and all protective gear when policing demonstrations. "We cannot assume that protests are going to be peaceful, based on these actions and others," he said. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said "vigilantes" attended Fridays protest

свернуть