Video: Chicago Cops Clash With Anarchists Near NATO Summit
At least 45 people were arrested Sunday during a violent clash between Chicago Police and black bloc anarchists who were among the protestors of the NATO Summit.
At least 45 people were arrested Sunday during a violent clash between Chicago Police and black bloc anarchists who were among the protestors of the NATO Summit.
Anti-war protestors gatheres at McCormick Place near where world leaders discussed the war in Afghanistan. Several thousand peacefully protested, and anti-war veterans threw their combat medals into the street near Cermak Road and Michigan Avenue, reports the Chicago Tribune.
A "Black Bloc" of about 100 anarchists chanted "What do we want? Dead cops!" marched to the front of the protest crowd and tried to break through the line of Chicago cops in riot gear, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
The two sides violently clashed as protesters hurled sticks, bottles and at least one rock. Police responded by using batons to drive the protesters back. Illinois State Police arrived to help disperse the crowd from the middle of the streets.
Superintendent Garry McCarthy arrived at the front lines to direct officers. Wearing only his uniform and no body armor, McCarthy credited his officers with holding the line.
"They came after us," McCarthy told the Sun-Times about the anarchists. "We're not here to get assaulted. You can use force to overcome an assault, and that's exactly what happened."
At one point in the protest, Chicago PD officers donned gas masks. No pepper spray or chemical agents were deployed, and McCarthy on Monday told the Associated Press there had been miscommunication.
Related:
More Patrol
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →