Chicago’s annual Cinco De Mayo parade was abruptly halted and canceled Sunday amid reports of gang-related violence near the route, according to Chicago police.
Police made the announcement Sunday afternoon shortly after the parade had been scheduled to get underway. Citing an “abundance of caution,” officials said that the parade was canceled following reports of large-scale fights in the area.
The decision was made “in agreement between CPD’s 10th District, elected officials and parade organizers following gang violence in the area,” according to a statement from Chicago police.
Romelia Aviles, a mother of two from Pilsen was among hundreds of people waiting for the parade to step off near West Cermak Avenue and South Damen Road when she said an incident down the street prompted a delay.
“It’s sad that most of the years that we try to celebrate with families and bring our kids to show them our roots and our culture, this has to happen,” she said.
A woman working at a currency exchange told NBC Chicago off camera she heard commotion outside and saw people throwing up gang signs.
The president of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce addressed the incident, saying the parade was delayed due to gangs fighting and people being violent towards officers.
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“So, for the safety of the community, we decided to reroute the parade this year, and I’m sorry but it’s out of our control,” said Hector Escobar, president of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce. “The police—they’re doing their best.”
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Jose Bernal, who lives along the parade route, said the incident started before the parade was scheduled to step off.
“It was chaos, because there was no respect for authority,” he said. “Gangbangers on Fairfield, gangbangers on Washtenaw, gangbangers on Rockwell. It was just no respect, just crazy.”
Paradegoers tried to enjoy every moment with their families before the event was canceled, saying the outbreak of gang violence never should have happened.
“It’s rival gang bangers shooting at each other, but I mean it’s just so much violence,” Bernal said. “They have to be tougher on criminals in Chicago.”
According to authorities, multiple arrests were made, including several for weapons possession and other charges. Bottles and other objects were thrown at officers, police said. No injuries were reported.
