Chicago Cinco De Mayo celebrations came to a halt on the city’s West Side after rival gangs violently confronted each other. The city typically celebrates the Mexican-American heritage day with a parade that travels through a planned route in the city. As the parade was happening, Hispanic gangs decided to show up and act out. The city’s ShotSpotter technology detected gunshots throughout the parade and all day afterward.
Police say that although it looked like the parade continued, it was re-routed to another location so they could escape the premises. Local Aldermen said the parade was not interrupted and went as planned. Concerned residents who witnessed the chaos expressed their displeasure with city crime and said it would take a community effort to improve safety conditions.
SOURCES:
Chicago Cinco De Mayo Parade Canceled Due To ‘Gang Violence,’ Police Say
27 arrested as ‘gang violence’ impacts Chicago Cinco De Mayo parade – NBC Chicago
Chicago Cinco de Mayo Parade rerouted in Heart of Chicago, Little Village after gang-related fights, arrests, police activity – ABC7 Chicago
Chicago scraps Cinco de Mayo parade due to gang violence | Fox News
Police say West Side Cinco de Mayo parade was canceled due to gang violence, alderman says it wasn’t
