Activist Miracle Boyd was assaulted by an officer while protesting at the Christopher Columbus statue in Grant Park on Friday evening (July 17).

In a video posted to social media, the 18-year-old argued with an officer before her phone was apparently knocked away. In another clip, the authority swings towards the activist’s face and she immediately flees the scene after getting assaulted.

Jeanette Taylor, who witnessed the encounter, explained that she is horrified by the events that took place against Boyd, who is also good friends with her daughter. “I’m going to tell you right now, if this was my kid — and Miracle is one of mine — I would burn this city to the ground,” she said. “You beat people up over a statue? You rough them up over a statue?”

She added, “They’re so busy protecting white supremacy, they’re so busy protecting a Christopher Columbus statue that they beat her.”

Essence Gatheright, a 16-year-old, explained that she helped Boyd seek medical attention following the assault. She explained that the latter was in bad condition. “Her teeth came out, it was really bad,” she recalled. “She was bleeding, she kept crying and sobbing. It was a really messed up situation. We were able to walk her and others to the school and provide her with support and make sure she got home safely.”

Earlier this month, Boyd took part in a Washington Park and Woodlawn protest. The organized event paid homage to friends she lost due to violence. In doing so, she asked Mayor Lori Lightfoot not to fund the police and provide relief to communities that are in need.

“We’re the people of the community. I don’t see you [Mayor Lightfoot] out here organizing people,” Boyd said. “… We are the ones in our community that have to deal with the trauma.”