Chicago, IL – May 25, 2025 – What began as a commemoration of the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death has evolved into a broader protest with pro-Palestinian sentiments, causing significant disruption in downtown Chicago. The event, initially focused on remembering Floyd and addressing issues of police brutality, has seen a shift in focus, drawing criticism from local activists and observers.
According to reports, the protest started around 3:38 PM with chants related to George Floyd but quickly incorporated calls for “Free Palestine” and the slogan “if we don’t get it, shut it down.” The march has led to traffic stoppages in the downtown area, with police presence to manage the crowd.
CHICAGO-The George Floyd protest in Chicago is currently stopping traffic downtown.
— FRONTLINES (@FrontlinesTPUSA) May 25, 2025
It has now turned into a pro-Palestinian protest with chants of “if we don’t get it, shut it down” and “Free Palestine” @sav_says_ | @TPUSA pic.twitter.com/oeKCjkMQry
The protest’s direction was called out as fake performative activism by white liberals and left-wing extremists.
Ja’Mal Green, a prominent Chicago activist, expressed strong disapproval of the protest’s hijacking by other agendas, stating, “I think it’s utterly disrespectful to black people when other movements for other agendas hijack protests for black people for their groups’ benefit. I don’t see ten black people out here. This had nothing to do with George Floyd and these people couldn’t care less about black people.”
I think it’s utterly disrespectful to black people when other movements for other agendas hijack protests for black people for their groups benefit. I don’t see ten black people out here. This had nothing to do with George Floyd and these people couldn’t care less about black… https://t.co/wvZgHC4SIe
— Ja'Mal Green (@JaymalGreen) May 25, 2025
These comments highlight a perceived disconnect between the original intent of the protest and its current direction.
Further reports indicate the presence of an elderly woman holding a sign with “8647,” which some interpret as a veiled threat against President Trump, amidst a crowd that includes illegal immigrants and their children selling candy. The scene also features chants of “justice for George Floyd,” adding to the complexity of the event’s narrative.
CHICAGO- An elderly woman holds an “8647” sign, which many have called a veiled threat against President Trump, at a protest being held for the 5 year anniversary of George Floyd’s death.
— FRONTLINES (@FrontlinesTPUSA) May 25, 2025
Illegal immigrants and their children are also in the crowd selling candy while the crowd… pic.twitter.com/AlfB3TzFGa
The convergence of these elements has raised questions about the protest’s focus and the motivations of its participants. While the anniversary of George Floyd’s death remains a significant moment for reflection on racial justice and police reform, the inclusion of pro-Palestinian activism and other agendas has sparked debate over the event’s authenticity and respect for its original purpose.
As the protest continues, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will influence future commemorations and the broader discourse on social justice in Chicago and beyond.
The presence of police and the diverse crowd underscore the challenges of maintaining a singular focus amidst multiple causes, a situation that continues to evolve in real-time.
References:
George Floyd protest in Chicago is currently stopping traffic downtown (25 May 2025) FRONTLINES https://x.com/FrontlinesTPUSA/status/1926739785357344824
Elderly woman holds an “8647” sign (25 May 2025) FRONTLINES https://x.com/FrontlinesTPUSA/status/1926722706814243013
Utterly disrespectful to black people (25 May 2025) Ja’Mal Green https://x.com/JaymalGreen/status/1926752387026362628
Image Credit: Screenshot from FRONTLINES
Protest Scene
