A surge in gang violence forced Chicago police to abruptly cancel Second City’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade on Sunday, police said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Cinco de Mayo parade has been canceled to protect the safety of all participants, including families and children,” the department said the.
“This decision was made in agreement between the 10th CPD district, elected officials and parade organizers following gang violence in the area,” police said. “At this time, numerous arrests have been made, including firearm arrests.
“CPD is currently clearing the parade route and asking all parade participants to return home safely. »
The parade commemorating Cinco de Mayo – celebrating the Mexican defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 – has been an annual tradition in the Windy City for years.
The route takes revelers through Little Village and Pilson, with this year’s festivities beginning at Douglas Park on Friday and scheduled to conclude with the parade on Sunday.
However, authorities deemed the security risk too great.
The parade was last canceled due to COVID pandemic restrictions.
Meanwhile, violent crime continues to plague Chicago, including last year’s bloody Memorial Day weekend that left nine people dead and 43 injured following a series of shootings.
New York Post
