CHICAGO (July 20, 2020) – The Chicago Progressive Caucus calls for a swift and measured response to the police violence against protestors and members of the press. “The City must hold the police officers who brutalized protesters and members of the press accountable,” said Progressive Caucus Chairman Ald. Sophia King (4).
While some protesters were outside their constitutional right to assemble and exercise their freedom of speech, police officers are held to a higher standard – to serve and protect – which includes restraint. “I long for the day we protect the youth of our city as vigilantly as we protect a lifeless statue, “ said Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25). “The officer who punched Miracle Boyd must be held accountable!”
Furthermore, we call for the Park District to immediately remove the Columbus statue as we begin a dialogue on what our City represents and who we want to memorialize. “Those police resources would be better spent in our communities not guarding statues,” said Ald. Susan Sadlowski-Garza (10).
“Taking down the statue does not erase history,” said Ald. Maria Hadden (49). “History has already been obscured by a false narrative that is often used to reinforce systems of racism and inequality. Let’s have an honest discussion about whose history we choose to celebrate.”
Finally, we unequivocally denounce the FOP President’s call for federal troops to come to Chicago with a military response. “It is the same kind of bluster and shameless opportunism exhibited by the occupant of the White House and it brings shame to those who risk their lives every day to keep our city safe,” said Ald. Andre Vasquez (40). “This is an outrageous attempt to politicize and bring even more violence to the streets of Chicago.”
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