Chance The Rapper is speaking out against “militarized police” targeting black neighborhoods in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
In a video that the Acid Rap MC retweeted to his Twitter account, police can be seen breaking up a Memorial Day weekend event where the attendees were predominately African-American. Chance called out Chicago PD for targeting black neighborhoods where people didn’t practice social distancing, but ignoring other areas of the city where people also weren’t following stay-at-home regulations.
“Yo, I seen HUNDREDS of ppl at Millennium Park and pics of even more at the parks on the north side,” he tweeted. “Outside, no masks, no social distancing, enjoying themselves. Please stop sending large groups of militarized police into our neighborhoods exclusively.”
He then tagged the Mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot under his tweet. She responded by saying that the large gathering of people at Millennium Park was dispersed.
“Regarding today’s large unpermitted gathering at Millennium Park: while we respect first amendment rights, this gathering posed an unacceptable health risk and was dispersed,” she tweeted. “No matter where in the city you live, no one is exempt from Governor Pritzker’s stay-at-home order.”
She continued, “I know folks are getting restless and the weather is beautiful. But, no matter your race, age, or zip code, when you throw a party or congregate, as some did this weekend, you put yourself, your loved ones and our first responders and healthcare professionals in serious danger.”
Chicago PD held a press conference this morning (May 26) following the holiday weekend. Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said that there were guns and shots fired at the party and police had to act accordingly. He also shared that police had to break up over 300 different crowds each day during the weekend.
Check out Chance The Rapper’s tweet below.