Clashes Erupt Outside Palestine Fest in Illinois
Mayor Steven Landek says police have a thorough security plan as community leaders and counter-protesters prepare for a rally outside the festival.
- Thousands gathered at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on Sunday for the fourth annual Palestine Fest, an event held amid security concerns following threats from far-right activist Jake Lang.
- Labeling Bridgeview an "Islamic military base," Lang announced a "Peaceful Crusader Rally" to boycott the festival and "Stop Islamification of Chicago" through online posts and flyers.
- While Palestinian music and cultural performances filled the stadium grounds, clashes erupted outside between Lang's group and counter-protesters, leaving two individuals receiving medical treatment after being struck by projectiles.
- Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek coordinated with the Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriff to maintain security, keeping the opposing groups separated throughout the day with no arrests made.
- Hatem Bazian, chairman of the National Board of American Muslims for Palestine, described the festival as a way to "honor our heritage" while showcasing Palestinian food, music, art, and history.
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Palestine Fest comes to Bridgeview for its fourth year. 'I just love being around our people"
The festival, held in the parking lot of SeatGeek Stadium, also drew the attention of a small group of far-right protesters, who clashed with a much larger crowd of counter-protesters outside a gas station near the stadium.
Clashes erupt between protesters, counterprotesters outside Palestine Fest in Bridgeview – WGNTV (Chicago) – Wirepoints
“There was a lot of stuff being thrown. They started throwing stuff back, and then they tried to plow the cars through us, it was kind of a mess,” one protester said of an appearance by Jake Lang. Things began to settle down until Lisa Fleischmann was spotted in the parking lot. The 53-year-old is the owner of the Trump Truth Store in Crystal Lake.
Protesters clash, rocks thrown at far-right activists outside Palestinian festival in Bridgeview
A small group of far-right activists descended on the site of a Palestinian festival in Bridgeview. They called for death to Palestine as some counter-protesters launched rocks toward them.
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