Friday, June 12, 2020

A message from Alderman O'Shea


From: Alderman O’Shea
**Saturday Demonstration**
6/12/20 - 3:39pm
On Saturday, June 13th at 4:00pm, a group of demonstrators will be holding a protest march that will travel on 111th Street between Kedzie and Cicero Avenues. In preparation for this event, street parking on 111th Street has been restricted from this evening through Sunday morning.
The Chicago and Oak Lawn Police Departments have been in communication with the organizers and they are confident that this demonstration, like the many others that have been hosted in our community during recent weeks, will be peaceful. I have been in regular contact with the Chicago Police Department, Illinois State Police, Cook County Sheriff’s Police, Oak Lawn Police Department, and Evergreen Park Police Department to ensure an effective and appropriate law
enforcement presence.
Many residents have questioned why the City is willing to issue permits for protests while not allowing permits for other gatherings like block parties. This is a reasonable question. The United States Constitution guarantees the right to protest peacefully. Accordingly, members of law enforcement attempt to work closely with protesters and communities to ensure public safety and the exercise of First Amendment rights. However, residents are not required to obtain a permit from the government to exercise their First Amendment rights.
While I’m happy to report that all previous demonstrations in our community have been peaceful, non-violent protests, I am concerned about some of the heated rhetoric and false rumors that have been circulating on social media. That’s why I will continue to work with the Chicago Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that we have ample resources to prevent any acts of violence. I can offer you my strongest possible assurance that should any illegal activity occur, the Police will respond swiftly and appropriately.