In a tense turn of events, shots were fired outside the Lincolnwood Town Centre on Sunday evening during separate rallies supporting Israel and the Palestinian movement. Authorities have confirmed that one person was taken into custody after discharging a weapon during escalating disturbances.
The Lincolnwood Police Department reported that approximately 200 protesters supporting the Palestinian cause gathered in the 3400 block of Touhy Avenue, where the Simon Wiesenthal Centre was hosting a Solidarity with Israel event. As tensions flared, disturbances ensued, prompting officers to seek assistance in controlling the crowd.
During the incident, an individual outside the Lincolnwood Town Centre reportedly brandished a weapon and fired shots into the air. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and law enforcement swiftly apprehended the person responsible. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the firing of shots are yet to be disclosed.
Simultaneously, a hit-and-run occurred nearby, involving a person who was struck by a vehicle. The victim, however, walked away from the scene without requiring hospital transportation, and authorities are actively investigating the incident.
In a related development, the Skokie Police Department disclosed that a Chicago police officer and two citizens sustained minor injuries after being pepper-sprayed by an attendee at the protest. A person was taken into custody for dispensing pepper spray, but as of late Sunday, no charges had been filed.
Amidst the chaos, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) released a statement asserting that around 500 people had mobilised for a peaceful protest. The organisation claimed that after the rally, demonstrators were attacked as they gathered their belongings, with one person firing pepper spray into the crowd.
The USPCN’s statement addressed the purpose of their demonstration, emphasising opposition to what they referred to as “U.S.-backed, Israeli genocide” while calling for an immediate end to aid to Israel. The statement concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for the cessation of U.S. support for Israel and an end to the violence against the Palestinian people.
