Chicago aldermen hold 'Police Lives Matter' rally

ByWill Jones WLS logo
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Chicago aldermen organize ?Police Lives Matter? rally
Some Chicago aldermen have organized what they are calling a ?Police Lives Matter? rally, saying many officers believe they have bene unfairly targeted for abuse.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some Chicago aldermen have organized what they are calling a "Police Lives Matter" rally, saying many officers believe they have bene unfairly targeted for abuse.

The rally is being held at the Jefferson Park police station in the 5100-block of North Milwaukee Avenue. It began at 6 p.m. with a growing crowd holding signs saying "Police Lives Matter Support Your Local Police."

The rally is being held at a time when Chicago Police Department morale is low and there are heightened community concerns about police misconduct. The aldermen who organized it say it is meant to be an appreciation of the people who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the city.

"You know, all the stuff the police officers have been going through. Everybody's afraid to do the wrong thing, to say anything. So we just wanted to let them know: we're behind you guys, keep doing a good job, we appreciate you and we support you," says 38th Ward Alderman Nicholas Sposato.

The rally will last until 7 p.m. The Chicago Police Department was not involved in organizing the rally, but say they appreciate the support.