Police Outline Strategy For Potentially Violent July 4th Weekend
By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 1, 2016 7:03PM
This weekend has the potential to be among the most violent in Chicago in recent memory, and the Chicago Police Department announced on Friday its plans to confront the possible uptick.
Thousands of uniformed and plain-clothed officers will hit city streets beginning today, police said in a statement. FBI agents, state troopers and sheriff's deputies will also be on patrol. There will be a heavy police presence on highways and major streets, including Lake Shore Drive, police said. Officers will be visible at Navy Pier, at city parks, along the lakefront, and on city streets. There will be increases in both foot and bike patrols, police said.
The city's "summer mobile patrol," which was created in the wake of the violent Memorial Day weekend, will also be in operation, superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a press conference.
Police said that fans attending major events this weekend should be aware of prohibited items and be prepared for security checks. Big events include the Fourth of July celebrations at Navy Pier on Saturday and Monday, the Guns 'N' Roses concerts at Soldier Field on Friday and Sunday, the Modest Mouse concert at Northerly Island on Saturday, and home games for both the White Sox and Cubs games on Monday.