Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has really hit it out of the park with her hypocrisy this time. In a new order by the Chicago Police Department under the Mayor’s Office, no protesters are allowed in the area of Logan’s Square where the Mayor lives.
The order surfaced in a July email by then-Shakespeare District Commander Melvin Roman to officers under his command. The warning was given to demonstrators and I quote from the order, “It should be locked down,” in regards to Logan Square. It did not distinguish between the ‘peaceful protesters’ and those intended to be destructive, meaning one thing. Mayor Lightfoot sees no difference between the two groups. She just won’t admit it.
Chicago cops have been blocking protester access to Logan Square, keeping them contained at the nearby corner of Kimball and Wrightwood avenues. The police have even had to go so far as to bring in an armored vehicle in case things got out of hand. Peaceful, right?
Many neighbors have been frustrated by the police presence and barricades around Lightfoot’s house. Chicago PD is going so far as to require ID checks before letting residents pass and get to their homes. Dozens of protesters have been turned away after trying to march to the mayor’s house.
“CPD remains committed to facilitating First Amendment rights, while also protecting public safety. CPD continues to enforce state law and the City’s municipal code regarding public assembly,” police spokeswoman Margaret Huynh said.
Lightfoot’s office has said that the city supports the first amendment, but did not specifically address whether or not activists should be allowed to assemble outside her home. According to Lightfoot’s actions, it’s okay to do this in the streets of Chicago and where small businesses are being burned or looted, but not in her own neighborhood.
Lightfoot already receives 24/7 protection from cops, including officers stationed at the residence. She also broke tradition by hiring former Deputy U.S Marshal Jim Smith instead of someone from the police department to give leadership control over the Chicago police officers assigned to guard City Hall and her home.
This expresses pure entitlement on the Mayor’s behalf. She believes that her life should not be burdened in the same way the citizens of her city are. Lori Lightfoot will do anything to protect her own neighborhood, but not her city.
