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Police Pepper-Sprayed Us for Celebrating Obama Win, Family Claims

Updated 4:54 PM CDT, Fri, Nov 7, 2008

Related Topics: Christine Ballard

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Christine Ballard

Christine Ballard

 

A hate crime lawsuit was filed this week against several Chicago police officers, accusing them of pepper-spraying a family group, including children, who were celebrating Barack Obama's win.

Christine Ballard and Cornelius Voss said they were driving with their children and other relatives on Election Night when an unmarked squad car passed them. The officers allegedly made some racial comments and pepper sprayed the group.

"At that point, I could not breathe, and that's when my kids started hollering ... 'Mommy, it's in my face, I can't see,'" Ballard said.

The group was treated at a local hospital, but they said police would not file a report. The lawsuit is also asking the Police Department to help determine who the officers were.

Comments (26)

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  • Khban Friday, Nov 14 at 9:24 PM FLAG COMMENT Me and my little cousin were also sprayed with mace by the police the night obama won. I wish there was something someone could do about it we didnt deserve it.
  • lynpisces Sunday, Nov 9 at 5:04 AM FLAG COMMENT Probably McCane cops that sprayed after their jealousy that Obama won! They obviously did nothing wrong since they were not arrested. These cops should be suspended immediately!
  • Sidney Sunday, Nov 9 at 2:20 AM FLAG COMMENT I'm not sure who to believe. According to Cook County Circuit court records, the plantiff has been sued several times and has also sued on at least one occasion. However, I've come across some really racist cops. I was in downtown after the celebration and came across one hostile ignorant cop, and I'm not even Black!! So who knows, both sides have little credibility.
  • birddog Saturday, Nov 8 at 3:30 PM FLAG COMMENT Its great to celebrate but as our president elect states , you are also accountable for yourself. Respect your neighbors.If you where acting like wild people you deserved to be sprayed!
  • Rick Saturday, Nov 8 at 2:27 PM FLAG COMMENT Quote Leslie Today at 11:04 AM Thank God that Obama is President-Elect! Maybe his influence could inspire you all to be more humanly and accepting of other races. End of Quote. And for twenty years who influenced Obama, Rev. Wright.... If that is the influence you want us to follow we are all in for a load of trouble..

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