Meanwhile, in Chicago's Democratic Hell…
The Cinco de Mayo parade on Chicago's Southwest Side was canceled Sunday due to gang fighting.
“The Cinco de Mayo parade has been canceled to protect the safety of all attendees, including families and children,” police said. “This decision was made by consensus among CPD’s 10th District, elected officials and parade organizers.”
— Chicago Police Communications and News Operations (@CPD_Media) May 5, 2024
A major fight broke out near S. Rockwell Street and Cermak between the Latin Kings and a rival gang, the Disciples of Satan.
Video (language warning):
UNEDITED RAW VIDEO: Massive fight between gangs near the canceled Cinco de Mayo parade near S Rockwell St and Cermak in Chicago, Illinois, Sunday, May 5, 2024. It contains profanity, requires viewer discretion, and resulted in an arrest by Chicago police. Several… pic.twitter.com/EQQrXcm6it
— Kyle Mazza (@KyleMazzaWUNF) May 5, 2024
A firearm arrest was made, according to police.
WATCH (LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE WARNING):
Video: A fight between two groups broke out Sunday, May 5, 2024, near the canceled Cinco de Mayo parade in Chicago, Illinois, in front of Pete's Market near S Rockwell St and Cermak. pic.twitter.com/FFJWlSfth1
— Kyle Mazza (@KyleMazzaWUNF) May 5, 2024
ABC 7 Chicago reported:
The Cinco de Mayo Parade on Chicago's Southwest Side was rerouted Sunday after violence was reported in the area.
The parade has a history of interruptions. From the COVID-19 pandemic to a series of disagreements between organizers and city officials, the parade never even took place from 2018 to 2022. The parade only returned last year.
There is still much confusion about what exactly happened to disrupt the parade.
At first glance, Sunday's Cinco de Mayo parade was like any other parade. It was lively and colorful with fun musical performances representing different regions of Mexico.
“We discovered that we were actually walking to the National Museum of Mexican Art,” said parade attendee Jennifer Vasquez. “We asked someone before. We didn’t even know it was happening.”
What many parade attendees didn't notice was the behind-the-scenes drama that began on Cemark Road at Damen Avenue in the Heart of Chicago about 30 minutes before the parade was scheduled to depart at noon. It was scheduled to traverse a 1.2-mile route ending at Marshall Boulevard in Little Village, just south of Douglass Park. Instead, a major fight broke out in the parade area and police issued a cancellation notice.