Activists Plan Shutdown of Dan Ryan To Protest Police Brutality

CHICAGO, IL — Community activists plan to shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway on Saturday to protest police brutality. Organizers say the “Black Lives Matter Protest: Shut Down The Dan Ryan Rally and March” starts at noon at Robert Taylor Park near 47th Street and Federal Avenue on Chicago’s South Side.

Rabbi Michael Ben Yosef, president of Tikkun Chai Inter-National and founder of Chicago Activist Coalition For Justice, hopes to emulate the Dan Ryan shutdown in 2018 organized by the Rev. Michael Pfleger to bring awareness to gun violence,

“Just like 2018, here in 2020, we are doing like manner to bring awareness [to the] stolen lives murdered by law enforcement and no accountability,” Yosef said.

Organizers have been meeting with local and state police officials to lay down ground rules before protesters head to the expressway, such as no PVC pipes, water bottles, backpacks or anything else that might be used as a projectile. Bicycles, carts, wagons and escort vehicles are also prohibited.

“This is based off the riot at the Columbus statue,” Yosef added. “The idea is to take on the mantle of police brutality and injustice to victims' lives stolen by police.”

Several speakers are schedule to speak in Robert Taylor Park starting at noon. Protesters will then head for the 47th Street ramp to the northbound lane of the Dan Ryan around 12:30 p.m. The march will head down the Dan Ryan Expressway from 47th Street to a designated exit to be determined by police.

In 2018, Chicago and Illinois State Police set up a blockade of dump trucks and ambulances and kept two lanes open to traffic while allowing the right lane for protesters. The state police said it would “protect the right of those seeking to peacefully protest while ensuring the safety of the public.”

The Fraternal Order of Police president wants to see those who step onto the expressway Saturday prosecuted.

“Charge 'em with interference of commerce, which is a federal felony,” John Catanzara told the Chicago Sun-Times. “You have federal agents here. It’s time to start laying the hammer down and sending these people to MCC, instead of Cook County Jail, where they can sit on their felony charges.”

Yosef said over 3,000 people have expressed interest in joining the shutdown, although organizers are hoping for 25,000.