Officials and local businesses in Chicago are making preparations for an upcoming anti-Trump rally and march in the Loop this Saturday. The planned “No Kings” march, organized by Indivisible Chicago, is expected to draw a large crowd, prompting some businesses to take precautionary measures.
One such business, Champs Sporting Goods located at 112 South State Street, has hired a board-up crew to protect its storefront ahead of the rally. The crew was seen on Friday afternoon erecting plywood barriers to safeguard the store’s glass windows from potential damage.
In light of the anticipated rally and procession through downtown, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans has made the decision to reschedule all marriage ceremonies that were set to take place at the County Building this weekend. With an estimated 10,000 participants expected to join the protest, concerns over safety and security prompted the rescheduling of these events.
Recent protests in the city have not been without incidents. A demonstration against the Trump administration’s immigration policies earlier in the week led to 17 arrests. Chicago police also uncovered a firearm in a bag left near the march area, and several CPD squad cars were vandalized during the protest.
Furthermore, law enforcement officials discovered a stash of concrete blocks near DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus, raising concerns about potential violence from protesters. Similar findings of suspicious items around downtown have been reported throughout the week, though it is unclear whether these objects were intentionally placed by protesters or coincidental.
In response to the upcoming rally, 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez has encouraged participants to prioritize nonviolent protest. In an email sent on Friday, Ald. Vasquez emphasized the importance of remaining disciplined and unified in their resistance against the current administration.
As tensions rise ahead of the “No Kings” march, the city of Chicago is bracing for a potentially impactful demonstration. With businesses taking precautions and officials rescheduling events, all eyes will be on the Loop this weekend as protesters gather to voice their dissent.
