A day that was supposed to be a festive occasion for celebration was marred when concerns about gangs forced the cancelation of Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo parade.
On Sunday, families who had turned out to enjoy the festivities had the day spoiled by the threat of “gang violence” which has sadly become commonplace in the Democrat-controlled city that will host the Democratic National Convention this summer.
The parade which was set to take place on the Windy City’s South Side was abruptly called off amid potentially dangerous gang activity in the area, with disappointed celebrants having to pack up and leave and wait until next year.
(Video: YouTube/Fox 32 Chicago)
“The Cinco de Mayo parade has been canceled to protect the safety of all in attendance, including families and children,” police said in a statement. “The decision, was made by in agreement with CPD’s 10th District, elected officials and parade organizers.”
— Chicago Police Communications & News Affairs (@CPD_Media) May 5, 2024
“At this time, multiple arrests have been made, including gun arrests, CPD is currently clearing the parade route and asking all parade-goers to return home safely,” the Chicago Police Department said.
“Throughout the morning and afternoon Sunday, officers responded to a handful of ShotSpotter alerts, sources said. There were also shots fired in the area as officers were on scene working to disperse crowds,” WGN reported.
“A lot of families, a lot of kids, kids love parades,” one area resident told the outlet. “I hate to see it happen. It really bothers me, and it bothers everyone.”
Reports of the gang activity were posted to the X platform, an indication of how even something as innocent as going to a Cinco de Mayo parade could potentially turn deadly in a nanosecond in the Windy City, one of the most violent places in America with a murder rate akin a a third-world country.
The Latin Kings and Satan Disciples gang rivalry heated up this morning during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Little Village in #Chicago
Multiple arrests and gun recoveries were reported.pic.twitter.com/T8Ao8l2Stn
— 16th & 17th District Chicago Police Scanner (@CPD1617Scanner) May 5, 2024
VIDEO: Fight between two groups Sunday, May 5, 2024 near the cancelled Cinco de Mayo parade in Chicago, Illinois Sunday in front of Pete’s Market near S Rockwell St and Cermak. pic.twitter.com/FFJWlSfth1
— Kyle Mazza (@KyleMazzaWUNF) May 5, 2024
It wasn’t all bad news for revelers, according to Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward, the parade was rerouted after the police statement and took place in a different area away from the gang activity.
“We want to make sure that we are always on the side of safety… initially there were discussions around cancelling the parade, because we were actually going to go through that location,” Sigcho-Lopez said, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News. “We saw a beautiful display of unity in our community. We are glad to see the parade back. We have to change last minute the route, but we continue to celebrate. We continue to celebrate without any incident.”
President Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats will get a look at the crime-ravaged city firsthand when their big party takes place at the United Center in late August.
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Author: Chris Donaldson
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