Black Lives Matter, which is supported by major league sports, the Democratic mayors of major cities, including New York, Seattle, Minneapolis, and Portland, etc., openly advocates looting and destruction. On August 9, hundreds of rioters destroyed and robbed at least $60 million in property in downtown Chicago, even attacking the Ronald McDonald House with sick children and their families resident. Thirteen police officers were injured trying to stop the mayhem, and a security guard and another person were shot and hospitalized in critical condition. Police arrested more than 100 rioters. On August 10, Black Lives Matter held a rally to support anarchy and to call for the release of the hoodlums. Ariel Atkins, a BLM organizer, said, “I don’t care if someone decides to loot a Gucci or a Macy’s or a Nike store, because that makes sure that person eats. That makes sure that person has clothes. That is reparations. Anything they wanted to take, they can take it because these businesses have insurance.” At the demonstration, protesters held a sign that read, “Our futures have been looted from us … loot back” (“Black Lives Matter to Lightfoot,” Chicago Sun-Times, Aug. 10, 2020). BLM released a statement that read, “The mayor clearly has not learned anything since May, and she would be wise to understand that the people will keep rising up until the [Chicago Police Department] is abolished and our Black communities are fully invested in.”
(Friday Church News Notes, August 21, 2020, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)