The following is information that has been provided by BOMA/Chicago:
At some time during the week of November 17th, a St. Louis County grand jury is expected to release its decision over the indictment of officer Darren Wilson who shot and killed unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown on August 9.
Since the time of the shooting, Ferguson, Missouri has been experienced near-daily protests focusing on Ferguson police, the county and state authorities. Protests and demonstrations have also been experienced in other cities.
With the indictment decision expected, police in many cities are looking to contain possible unrest should the grand jury decide not to indict the officer. Cities across the nation, including Chicago, are preparing for the possibility of more disruptive activity should the Ferguson officer escape an indictment.
Groups and individuals across the country are preparing for the grand jury announcement. There are several groups that are using social media to organize and coordinate protest activity. Nationwide, there are planned assemblies being coordinated for the day of and / or the day after the announcement. While the assemblies are intended as peaceful events, the possibility of heightened tensions and unplanned violence are always possible at any large gathering – by participants, counter-protesters or disruptive elements that may infiltrate peaceful protests to conduct malicious acts.
Amid the already existing tensions, the Missouri chapter of the KKK has reportedly handed out fliers threatening to use “lethal force” against protestors. In response, the hacktavist group Anonymous has taken control of @KuKluxKlanUSA – a prominent KKK Twitter account. Additionally, individuals identifying with the group are conducting a doxing campaign against individuals believed to be affiliated with the group – releasing addresses, phone numbers, addresses and other personal information. It is possible that as tensions and potential confrontations increase, there could be an escalation of physical and cyber hostilities. Members are encouraged to be aware of events in their areas of operation.
Expected Chicago Protest Activity
A consortium of groups have announced that protest and demonstrations will take place in Chicago at State and Jackson at5:00 pm on the day of the announcement, or immediately if the announcement is made on the weekend; and at 6:30 pm at the Chicago Police Department Headquarters on the day of the announcement.
Tags: BOMA/Chicago Chicago Ferguson Protests