Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart and city officials have issued statements after dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters descended in a Highland Park neighborhood early Saturday morning, with residents questioning why arrests were not made.
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 protesters gathered in the roadway.
Protesters 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.
“The protest appeared to be directed at the private residence of United States Representative Brad Schneider in the City of Highland Park,” the city said.
Officers began de-escalation and dispersal of the crowd.
City officials said officers followed procedure for managing 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 protesters had departed the scene by 3:15 a.m.
No arrests were made and no citations were issued.
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.
Many members of the public expressed disapproval of the police response and questioned why no arrests or citations were made.
“Take action! Zero arrests? Do better,” one person said on the city’s Facebook post.
“I am appalled this occurred and even more appalled that no arrests were made,” another person said.
City officials later issued an update responding to residents’ concerns.
They said the protesters “began to comply immediately” with officers and dispersed within 30 minutes of police arrival, bringing the protest to a “rapid conclusion.”
“In the interest of on-scene security, de-escalation is a priority and always the first step in safely resolving these types of situations without escalating the situation or increasing the probability of protestors’ return to Highland Park in greater numbers,” the city said in the update.
“As the protestors dispersed voluntarily, no citations were issued. Individuals who violate local ordinances after being warned by law enforcement may receive a citation for the specific violations, ultimately leading to a possible custodial arrest if they do not comply.”
“Officers make arrests and take people into custody only in response to actions or behaviors identified under state criminal code that rise to the level of misdemeanors or felonies. Had the protestors not immediately complied with police orders and voluntarily dispersed, there may have been actions for which citations could have been issued and arrests made under the state criminal code.”
“The City facilitates the safe resolution of tense situations by encouraging compliance through education about City laws. Successfully de-escalating these situations decreases the probability that protestors will return to the area in increased numbers and minimizes attention on the protestors,” the city added.
Officials said that if the protesters return, police will utilize de-escalation techniques “in line with the City’s community-based policing approach.”
“If protestors refuse to comply, officers will pursue other options such as citations and arrests. Not all charges result in offenders being taken into custody; some are citations in the field,” the city said.
Officials said that the police response to large crowds requires “significant coordination” between local officers and officers responding from other jurisdictions as mutual aid.
In 2023, the City of Highland Park added three more police officers to the department, bringing the total number of sworn law enforcement officers to 60.
Officials say they continue to evaluate police staffing levels “to ensure that community needs are met.”
“Reports indicate that protestors chanted antisemitic comments. The City recognizes these comments are deeply disturbing and antithetical to our community values and Statement Against Hate.”
“The Supreme Court has ruled that distasteful, prejudiced and offensive speech is generally protected by the First Amendment, which means that law enforcement must be cautious to avoid regulating speech, regardless of how offensive they personally feel it is. As a result, officers are directed to focus on maintaining the safety of the greater community. Police work to de-escalate situations before pursuing arrests.”
“Police officers are authorized to make arrests for hateful speech only when it is elevated to criminal status because specific conditions related to a companion crime is met. Companion crimes include assault, battery or misdemeanor theft among others,” the city said.
The city added that they are “monitoring the situation and have an active plan in place to address another incident to the fullest extent of the law.”
Highland Park officials are in close contact with law enforcement throughout the North Shore and Lake County.
They are also maintaining contact with state and federal law enforcement.
Community members who wish to report concerning behaviors are encouraged to call the public safety non-emergency line at 847-432-7730.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, whose office has been in communication with the City of Highland Park, released a statement Sunday morning in response to the Saturday protest.
“I want to acknowledge the distress and unease caused by the protest that took place in front of Congressman Schneider’s private residence,” Rinehart said.
“I share the concern of the public and Highland Park officials. Events such as these are disruptive and unsettling, especially when they occur where we live.”
“We continue to deeply condemn the enormous rise in antisemitism that has been occurring in Lake County and beyond for many years.”
“My office stands with the people of Highland Park during this difficult time. Everyone should feel safe in their home and in their neighborhoods. Our team will work with police 24 hours a day to make this a reality for every community,” Rinehart added.