A couple violently targeted in out-of-control ‘teenage riots’ in Chicago have condemned the attackers for trying to ‘kill us’ – after an Illinois senator defended the mob to protest ‘poverty and segregation’.
Terrifying footage captured that moment Saturday night when teen hooligans swept away Ashley, 20, and DJ, 22, after they ran out on the streets of Chicago.
The young couple said the unprovoked attack was “totally random” — but state senator Robert Peters took to Twitter the next day to get out behind the crowd.
I used to view youth behavior as action and as a political statement. It is a mass protest against poverty and apartheid, he said in the post, which has sparked widespread outrage.
The horrific scenes come after a mob of unruly teenagers burns down downtown Chicago. This led to at least two shootings and more than a dozen arrests.
A young couple attacked by Chicago teen hooligans, DJ, left, and Ashley, right, reveal that the mob threatened to kill them
Ashley and DJ talk after they find themselves in the middle of the horrified mob Fox News Their attackers warned them that they would kill us.
The couple said the rioters crowded in after an evening of shopping, before ‘everything went wrong’ and Ashley was pushed to the ground.
After DJ confronts her attackers, the two are quickly swept away, with teenage provocateurs beating the pair as they steal their shoes, phones, a pair of sunglasses, an Apple Watch, and a hat.
“I have a black eye,” DJ added. My face is messed up. The shoulder is also very cool, it’s just out of place. My back hurts.
The terrifying attack came as large numbers of young troublemakers descended on the Windy City, causing chaos and looting.
Footage from the chaotic evening saw teens jump on the bus and crash it, while others erupted into a mass brawl as Millennium Park became the epicenter of the madness.
Gunshots were heard throughout the city as two young men, aged 16 and 17, were shot in the massacre. In total, 15 people were arrested after the chaotic weekend, while the riots also saw many vehicles seized and burned in the streets.
‘Teen riots’ lead to 15 arrests and two shootings as Chicago descends into chaos
The rowdy group set cars on fire and scuffled, as gunshots rang out across the city
A Tesla car is set on fire in the midst of the carnage
Despite the significant damage caused by the clowning, Senator Peters, who counts parts of Chicago within his constituency, brushed off the ugly scenes in a widely criticized social media post.
‘Since I am a glutton to punishment,’ said he, ‘and I am sure I shall get the most irritable answer to an eccentric of crime, but I shall look upon the conduct of young men as action and as a political statement.
“It is a mass protest against poverty and segregation.”
In anticipation of the backlash for his stance, Peters added, “Rest in peace as it reminds me.”
Illinois Senator Robert Peters, pictured, defended the chaos in a bizarre tweet that he described as a ‘mass protest against poverty and segregation’
His defense of the protesters flew in the face of comments the young couple made as they recalled their ordeal, with DJ describing the rioters as “young and stupid”.
He added that the violent attackers were “trying to prove a point against nothing”.
Peters also faced intense backlash over his bizarre tweet on the internet, with some even calling for him to leave his post over the situation.
Former congressional candidate Jacques Lombardi II said, “Your attempt to light up the citizens is beyond insulting.” “The way I see it, you’re OK with what happened to this woman on Friday.
“And for that, you must resign.”
Others called his statement “pathetic”, and one commented, “We will have no law and order as long as criminals are welcomed rather than punished.”
Another added: “Help me understand what happens next.” Peaceful protests must be encouraged. Violent protests must be condemned and perpetrators prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Radio host Tara Servatius also waded into the elected official’s controversial statement, referring to the attack on the young couple by saying, “They beat up an innocent bystander (a woman) for fun because she was standing near the door.”
Chicago’s Millennium Park was filled with a heavy police presence to combat the crowd of teenage troublemakers
The Windy City descended into chaos as hordes of young agitators filled the streets
Many cars were smashed or burned in the unsightly scenes
In anticipation of large-scale riots, law enforcement established a perimeter across downtown Chicago
Not everyone disagreed with Peters’ stance, however. Outgoing Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was recently voted out of office, told a local reporter that she believes calling the ugly scenes “chaos” is incorrect.
“The vast majority of young people who came to the city center came to the city center because the weather was great and it was an opportunity to enjoy the city,” she added.
This is totally fitting… there are a few that came with different intentions.
They did and they will be dealt with. But I will not use your language, which I think is wrong, to say that there is “mess.”
Newly elected Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, 47, has also weighed in.
He said Sunday that he does not “condone disruptive activity” and that it is “unacceptable and has no place” in the Windy City.
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was recently voted out of office, has defended the rioters and said she believes the term “anarchy” is inaccurate.
“Our city must work together to create spaces for young people to gather safely and responsibly, and with adult guidance and supervision, to ensure every part of our city remains welcoming to both residents and visitors,” Johnson said in a statement released Sunday.
Johnson continued by insisting that the destruction should not be used to discredit the group, adding, “It is not constructive to demonize young people who would otherwise be denied opportunities in their communities.”
Despite the collective anger at the out-of-control rioters, Johnson said he believes the only way forward is to “work together” to create safer spaces for children.
“Our city must work together to create spaces for young people to gather safely and responsibly, and with adult supervision and supervision, to ensure every part of our city remains welcoming to both residents and visitors,” he said in a statement.
