NATO Protests in Chicago, Some Officers refuse to arrest non-violent protesters

Posted about 5 hours ago |

CHICAGO — Thousands of protesters marched through downtown Chicago on Sunday in one of the city’s largest demonstrations in years, airing grievances about war, climate change and a wide range of other complaints as world leaders assembled for a NATO summit.

Three men charged with conspiring to commit domestic terrorism during the NATO summit.

Within minutes of the march, live streams of the event began popping up all over the internet and anyone with a basic internet connection could witness numerous arrests of non-violent protestors and independent journalists, in what appeared to be the first large-scale implementation of the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011 (H.R. 347). Even before today’s protests began, federal agents are reported to have made arrests that thwarted supposed ‘terrorist plots’ targeted at the summit and President Obama, however in what is becoming a common trend these days, the plots involved undercover federal agents that supplied the explosive devices – leaving some to question whether or not these plans would have ever been carried out in the first place.

Perhaps one of the most shocking (amazing) details from today’s protest were the actions, or inaction’s, of some of Chicago’s finest. In a surprising turn of events, reports have emerged that numerous Chicago Police officers openly refused to arrest non-violent protesters – some officers even refusing to show up for work. I had the honor of speaking with one of these brave men, and although he wishes to remain anonymous (for obvious reasons), he wasn’t shy about how he and many other officers feel in regards to the ever-increasing police state.

It’s just not right, ya know? I mean… uh… a lot of people think that every guy with a badge and a gun has a thing for lockin’ people up. But that really ain’t the case most of the time… I became an officer to help people, ya know? I didn’t sign up to throw kids in jail for taking pictures on their phones.. and I certainly didn’t sign up to.. uh… arrest war veterans exercising their right to protest… I mean, this is still America right?

Before our conversation was cut short, I asked the officer if he agreed with some of the grievances held by the protesters to which he replied:

I don’t think that is the point, really. I mean, people are always going to disagree… but its whether or not they can go out there and be vocal about however they feel.