Dan Ryan protest: Expressway march against police brutality planned Saturday
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Protesters are planning a march against police brutality on the Dan Ryan Expressway on Chicago's South Side Saturday.
Demonstrators plan to gather for a rally at Robert Taylor Park in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 12 p.m., according to a Facebook post cited by Chicago's Department of Emergency Management and Communication.
The groups then plan to march westbound on 47th Street and enter the Dan Ryan Expressway, OEMC said. They are expected to march in the northbound lanes until exiting at 43rd Street and marching along city streets for several miles.
Dan Ryan planned protest route:
- Westbound on 47th St to the Dan Ryan Expressway onto the Dan Ryan via the ramp
- Marchers will then proceed northbound to the 43rd St exit ramp and walk eastbound on 43rd to Indiana, North on Indiana to 31st St
- West on 31st St to Michigan Avenue
- North on Michigan Ave to Roosevelt Rd
According to OEMC, organizers said they expect 2,000 participants.
Illinois State Police said they are aware of the protest and working with organizers to set up a safe route of travel.
Two years ago, thousands of protesters led by Father Michael Pfleger shut down all five lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway for an anti-violence march.
WATCH: Protesters shut down Dan Ryan in July 2018
Full statement on Dan Ryan protest from Illinois State Police:
"The Illinois State Police is aware of the planned protest to march along the Dan Ryan Expressway on August 15, 2020. We have been in contact with the protest organizers to set up a safe route of travel. The Illinois State Police will protect the rights of those seeking to peacefully protest while ensuring the safety of the public. We will keep interested media posted once more information is available."
