Chicago's anti-violence protest could clash with Cubs game at Wrigley Field

Scott Gleeson | USA TODAY

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Organizers planning an anti-violence march from Chicago's Lakeshore Drive to Wrigleyville neighborhood have not ruled out forcing their way into Wrigley Field when the Cubs host the San Diego Padres on Thursday night.

As a result, the Cubs have worked with the Chicago Police Department to ensure safety for their fans by increasing security inside and outside the ballpark. The planned demonstration is expected to begin around 5 p.m. ET and culminate at Wrigley Field ahead of the game's 8:05 p.m. ET start — potentially setting up a swarm of protesters and Cubs fans together in the same vicinity.

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Cubs spokesperson Julian Green said by email that the game will be played as usual and that the organization hopes "this demonstration will start and end without disruption and allow the participants an opportunity voice their concerns" — all without interfering with fans' "opportunity to enjoy a day at the ballpark."

The march on Chicago's north side is part of a protest calling for the resignations of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police superintendent Eddie Johnson because of their inability manage the city's ongoing violence on the south and west sides.

Rev. Gregory Livingston, who is leading the demonstration, told news reporters earlier this week that "you'll have to wait and see" if protesters enter the ballpark. And Rev. Ira Acree, another Chicago pastor helping spearhead the protest, told The Chicago Tribune on Monday that "we have people who are committed, who are ready to get arrested" and "we will have attorneys and people who will provide resources to bail them out." Both Livingston and Acree told reporters they did not seek the mayor's backing for their demonstration.

Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement that the CPD has met with organizers of the march to determine the size and noted: "In the end, CPD will protect individuals’ right to demonstrate but we also have a responsibility to balance the potential public safety and traffic implications of the event."