'I'm beat up': Chicago woman hit by car that drove into protest speaks out
Woman injured during Chicago anti-ICE protest speaks out
Tonight there are warnings of new federal action in Chicago -- and words of encouragement from the woman hit by a car during the protest.
CHICAGO - A 66-year-old woman’s arm was broken after she was hit by a car that sped through a crowd of anti-ICE protesters in downtown Chicago on Tuesday evening.
The chaotic scene unfolded when several hundred people gathered to protest ICE raids in Chicago and across the country.
What we know:
Around 6:30 p.m., a red car attempted to drive through the crowd in the 0-100 block of East Monroe Street, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The car hit Heather Blair, 66, while she was standing in the roadway, and sped away, fleeing the scene.
The retired federal worker had a left arm fracture and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.
No other injuries were reported, police said.
Blair, who is hard of hearing, said she doesn't remember hearing the car, but see remembers seeing it as it approached.
"I saw it (the vehicle). My husband got out of way. I think I blacked out", Blair said.
Blair was among thousands gathering downtown denouncing ICE raids. The event started off peacefully before chaos erupted with folks throwing bottles and other items at police.
Blair said she and her husband decided to attend the protest at the last minute and tried to stay out of the way.
"I'm beat up. I've beenplaying the piano 90 minutes a day; I can't do that," she said.
Blair said that her fear won't stop her from returning to protest.
"I'll be scared, but I'll do it anyway," she said.
However, she will not attend Saturday's No Kings protest at Daley Plaza.
Angel, a witness, said the car wouldn't stop "and the lady got knocked over in the process. I don't think she got hit by the car, but in the commotion of people running though the side."
Sky Fox continued tracking the car until it came to a stop in the West Loop area with a broken window. People got out of the car to push it.
What we don't know:
Chicago police said as of late Wednesday morning, no one had been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run crash.
Detectives are investigating the incident.
Chicago response:
Chicago police arrested 17 people during Tuesday's protest, with charges including aggravated battery to a peace officer and criminal damage to property.
Mayor Johnson's Chief of Staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas said on Wednesday that Chicago could soon see a military response on the ground.
"Federal agents have been informed that they have 48 hours to standby and be ready to deploy," Pacione-Zayas said. "There will be tactical teams, there will be mini-tanks, there will be other tools that they use."
Reporters also question CPD's involvement after more than a dozen surprise deportations in Chicago last week. Critics say even if police provide crowd control, they're still assisting.
Mayor Johnson said in a press conference Chicago remains a welcoming city.
"I want to make sure that whether that crowd is five or 5,000 or 50,000 that they're protected," Johnson said. "That is the role of our police department.