Overview
- The eight-member panel convened Thursday at Richard J. Daley College to begin a public record on alleged abuses during the federal crackdown that saw more than 2,800 arrests across the Chicago area.
- Witnesses described multiple uses of pepper spray, including a November incident in a Cicero parking lot where a family was hit and a 1-year-old was exposed, according to rapid responder Pastor Matt DeMateo.
- Emergency physician Dr. Rohini J. Haar detailed medical risks from chemical irritants and cited an Oct. 31 Evanston video as an example of force used without a clear threat.
- DHS defended its officers, saying they follow the law and use non-lethal force only after exhausting other options, and criticized the commission’s effort.
- Commission leaders said they will open a public portal in January, aim to deliver a status report by Jan. 31 and a final report by April 30, and may recommend legislation or referrals despite no prosecutorial or subpoena authority.