CHICAGO (WLS) -- The state's response to the protest that shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway earlier this month cost taxpayers more than $200,000, the Illinois State Police revealed this week.
Thousands of protesters turned out July 7 to shut down all five northbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway in a call for common sense gun laws and greater investment in community resources, schools, jobs and economic development in the poorest communities in Chicago.
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Hundreds of Chicago and Illinois State police officials were on hand to ensure marchers' safety. No protesters were arrested.
The $200,000 figure reflects the cost incurred by state agencies only. All costs associated with the protest had not yet been calculated, according to a state official, therefore the figure is only partial.