Pro-Trump Protests In Springfield, Chicago Amid Chaos In D.C.

SPRINGFIELD, IL — While a chaotic scene was playing out Wednesday in Washington, D.C., pro-Trump rallies were also being held around Illinois. As a handful of GOP members of Congress fought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election during the ceremonial counting of the electoral votes that confirmed President-elect Joe Biden's win, a group of supporters of President Donald Trump protested in front of the Illinois State Capitol.

Meanwhile, a mob of pro-Trump demonstrators breached the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in what Biden called "an unprecedented assault" on democracy in which at least one person had reportedly been shot and killed. Biden added, "The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are. What we’re seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness."

As reported by The State Journal-Register, about 50 people were in attendance at the Capitol in Springfield. Unlike the events in Washington, D.C., the Trump supporters in Illinois reportedly "remained calm and in good spirits at the Illinois Capitol, listening to the president's speech on the National Mall, playing music and listening to Congress debate the Electoral College votes."

According to The State Journal-Register, the majority of protesters showed up with Trump 2020 flags, American flags, and signs that read "Stop The Steal." They said keeping Trump in office would allow for problems that have come out of the election to be fixed. The protesters left the Illinois Capitol without incident.

In Chicago, a number of people participated in a rally near Lake View High School. Billed as a "Defend the Police - Support Small Businesses - Open Restaurants - Stop The Steal 2020 & Wave Your American Flag" rally, the event coincided with the protest in the nation's capital.

Organizers at the Chicago rally promised several high-profile speakers, including defeated Republican state Senate candidate Ben Bierly, billed as the keynote speaker. Organizers say hundreds were expected to attend.

Just before 4:30 p.m., a Sun-Times reporter said there was a growing police presence outside the Trump Tower in Chicago, with about 15 protesters gathered on the bridge.

An earlier version of this story said the rally took place at Lake View High School, citing a press release from organizers, and included a link to the original story regarding the rally in Chicago. A spokesman for Chicago Public Schools tells Patch the rally did not take place at the high school. It appears to have taken place just off school property. It also said the Chicago Republican Party participated. A spokesperson told Patch that they did not attend. We apologize and regret these errors.

Related:

• IL Sen. Duckworth Safe Amid 'Attempted Coup' At U.S. Capitol
• 'This Is A Coup Attempt:' IL Congressman Kinzinger
• Pro-Trump Rally Taking Place Wednesday In Chicago