Multiple sources are telling us that this weekend will be enriched with revolutionary violence, courtesy of the fine folks at Black Lives Matter and Antifa. This violence reportedly will not only happen in Chicago and other major cities across America, but smaller cities as well. Think about the widespread “unrest,” er, I mean peaceful protests that took place in the days after George Floyd’s death.
Chicago has installed jersey barriers to narrow some intersections so they can be blocked from traffic (like looters in UHaul trucks) with garbage trucks or other barricades. They took a “dry run” at their new anti-rioting plan for downtown on Thursday evening.
Not only are Friday and Saturday nights expected to see some “civil unrest” but on Saturday during the day, “demonstrators” are set to “shut down” the Magnificent Mile.
From CWB Chicago:
City departments on Thursday will conduct test runs of a new tactic that police and political leaders hope will contain any future looting or riot attempts in the downtown area. But officials are playing down online rumors of large protests heading to the neighborhood this weekend.
And, a source said similar blockade arrangements may roll out along retail corridors in Wicker Park and other neighborhoods.
Police, Streets and Sanitation, and Water Department assets will all participate in the dry-run between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. that will test the city’s ability to quickly lock down key intersections should trouble break out.
On Wednesday, city workers installed concrete barricades to narrow the mouths of streets along the Magnificent Mile and in nearby areas. By tightening the roadway, city officials can quickly close roads by parking salt trucks and other large vehicles in the narrowed space. Large, mobile planters may also be used to close some intersections. At least, that’s the idea.
Furthermore, cops in Chicagoland are under a caution that gang members may take potshots at police anywhere they find cops making an arrest. The source is considered highly reliable.
Use caution this weekend. It would be a particularly bad weekend to take a trip to Chicagoland. If you live in or near Chicago, it might be a good weekend to stay close to home. Avoid large crowds, mobs and other potential trouble spots where feasible.
Of course, never leave home without your American Express card in its holster.
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