Illinois officials urge peaceful protests for Breonna Taylor
CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois officials disparaged a Kentucky grand jury's decision on Wednesday to bring no charges against Louisville police for the killing of Breonna Taylor during a drug raid gone wrong, but they asked anyone participating in local protests in response to be peaceful.
“In this moment, each of us has an opportunity and really an obligation to reflect on how we will take in this news and what we will do with it," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. "Breonna Taylor’s family has consistently called for peace and urged people who are acting in her name to do so in a way that builds, not destroys community.”
Taylor, a Black emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by officers who entered her home on a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation the night of March 13.
The grand jury brought three counts of wanton endangerment against fired Officer Brett Hankison for shooting into Taylor’s neighbors’ homes during the raid. The FBI is still investigating.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Chicago and in various neighborhoods around the city late Wednesday to protest that there were not charges filed directly related to Taylor’s death.
About 300 people gathered in Palmer Square Park on Chicago’s northwest side before setting off on a march, chanting Taylor’s name. The march was monitored by police officers on bicycles. Other demonstrators gathered in downtown’s Millennium Park, chanting demands for justice as passing motorists on Michigan Avenue honked their horns. Those demonstrators then marched in nearby streets.
Activist priest the Rev. Michael Pfleger told protesters gathered in the middle of a South Side intersection that they should peacefully let those who represent the status quo know of their unhappiness with...