Pro-Trump Rally Held Wednesday In Chicago Amid Violence In D.C.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Republican Party promoted a rally near Lake View High School in Chicago Wednesday. Billed as a "Defend the Police - Support Small Businesses - Open Restaurants - Stop The Steal 2020 & Wave Your American Flag" rally, the event coincided with a violent protest in the nation's capital as a handful of GOP members of Congress and a pro-Trump mob fought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Congress voted late Wednesday and early Thursday to certify Joe Biden as the winner of the electoral college and the presidency, despite a handful of objections by 121 Republican House members and six Republican senators. The objectors cited no evidence for their allegations of fraud, and large majorities of both parties rejected the effort, with several Republicans who had planned to object changing their minds after Wednesday's violence left four dead on Capitol grounds.
Biden will be sworn in as president on Jan. 20.

Nonetheless, President Trump maintains without evidence that the election has been stolen from him and has encouraged his supporters to "fight," a call echoed by rallygoers across the country Wednesday.

"We are calling all veterans to a peaceful rally in support of every American’s right to assemble and demand liberty and freedom of speech in the country you fought to preserve," organizers of the Chicago rally said in a news release. "Bring your American flag to wave proudly, a lawn chair, and a blanket to keep warm."

Organizers promised several high-profile speakers, including defeated Republican state senate candidate Ben Bierly, who is billed as the keynote speaker. Organizers say hundreds are expected to attend, and they encourage reasonable safety measures, such as masks, gloves and social distancing when possible.

An earlier version of this story said the rally took place at Lake View High School, citing a press release from organizers. A spokesman for Chicago Public Schools tells Patch the rally did not take place at the high school. It appears to have taken place just off school property. The Chicago GOP also told Patch they did not organize the event, despite promoting it on their Facebook page.