Two of the most powerful politicians in Illinois took to Twitter to blast one another after Saturday’s protest on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, who had called for motorists to be careful and for protesters to be peaceful during the march, criticized the marchers after the event for crossing over barriers that had been set up along the highway.
Snapshots: Chicago Protesters March Onto Dan Ryan Expressway by the Hundreds
“This is unacceptable,” he tweeted. “We had clear parameters that allowed the protesters to be heard while respecting law and order. They chose instead to cause chaos.”
Rauner’s tweet came after protesters crossed a barrier erected by Illinois State Police, forcing the entire northbound side of the expressway to close.
After his initial tweet, Rauner turned his criticisms to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who gave the march his support on Friday.
“I’m disappointed in the Mayor,” Rauner said. “I am calling on the mayor to take swift and decisive action to put an end to this kind of chaos. I will work with him in good faith and urge him to do his job so that the people of Chicago feel safe.”
It didn’t take long for Emanuel to respond, and he did so with his trademark hard-edged humor.
“It was a peaceful protest. Delete your account,” the mayor said.
No arrests were made during the protest, and traffic is once again moving on the highway.
