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Chicago protesters plan to stop shoppers from spending money on Black Friday

Published  November 27, 2015 6:34am CST
Business
FOX 32 Chicago

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Black Friday in Chicago could be disrupted by protestors who plan to march on the Magnificent Mile.

The organizations started protesting Tuesday afternoon after Chicago police released dashcam video of the police-involved shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

Protests have largely remained peaceful with a handful of arrests each day.

Black Friday shoppers and protestors will merge Friday morning, as the demonstrators meet downtown at 11 a.m. The goal of the demonstration is to stop shoppers from going in stores and spending money.

“I want to interrupt shopping on Michigan Avenue tomorrow and I want great dollars to be lost on the Mag Mile tomorrow,” said Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina’s Church. “People say why do you want that for the City of Chicago - well, would you rather have violence? Let's hit the pocketbook rather than breaking windows and turning over cars.”

Also joining in the march is Chicago Teacher's Union president Karen Lewis, who is encouraging her members to participate and said, "It is time to turn our pain into power.”

Chicago police are expected to have a large presence Friday. They would not comment on specific security plans, but did say they will have officers throughout the city for public safety, traffic and to support any peaceful demonstrations.

CPD added that the protests have been mainly peaceful and this should not stop visitors from enjoying the city.

Lindsay Rooney is visiting Chicago with family and said she's noticed an increase in police patrols and isn't worried based on the past few protests.

“In regard of last evenin,  it was peaceful and I respect that it was peaceful,” said Rooney.

“I  wouldn't say it would stop me because everyone has things they believe in and it was definitely an interesting thing to watch. They have a right to protest, we just don’t want to become out of control so we will continue to shop as long as we feel safe,” said Rooney’s 12-year-old daughter, Annette.

The Magnificent Mile Association said the following in a statement:

The Magnificent Mile Association represents the interests of employees and businesses in the famous North Michigan Avenue District of Chicago. We respect the American freedom to assemble and the process in the pursuit of social justice. We hope that any assembly on Friday will continue to be peaceful.