Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters descended in a Highland Park neighborhood overnight targeting a U.S. congressman’s home and prompting a large police response.
The Highland Park Police Department responded around 2:43 a.m. Saturday to the area of Woodland Road and St. Johns Avenue for a noise complaint of people shouting.
Officers arrived in four minutes and observed approximately 40 protestors gathered in the roadway.
Protestors carried banners and shouted pro-Palestinian and antisemitic chants using loudspeakers and drums, city officials said.
A video shared with Lake and McHenry County Scanner showed the large crowd walking down the roadway toward U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider’s residence, which is located on Woodland Road east of St. Johns Avenue.
Officers began de-escalation and dispersal of the crowd.
City officials said officers followed procedure for the management of a crowd of this size.
They established a perimeter around the protesting group to ensure the safety of neighbors in the area who were outside.
Officers communicated with the event organizer and provided information about city regulations regarding noise and safe assembly, city officials said.
Police called for additional officers to the scene by 3 a.m. to assist with management and coordination for the dispersal of the crowd.
All protestors had departed the scene by 3:15 a.m. Officers remained on the scene for approximately two additional hours to complete an investigation and to ensure the safety of residents.
“Public safety is the City’s top priority. The City can and will strictly enforce all of its public safety, noise, nuisance, and disturbance of the peace ordinances,” city officials said.
Police will be conducting additional patrols in neighborhoods and implementing a close watch on houses of worship.
“The City unequivocally condemns antisemitism and all acts of hate, standing in solidarity with our Jewish community,” the city said in a statement.