BROADVIEW, Ill. (WGN) — An Illinois village declared a “Civil Emergency Order” on Monday following a series of threats against local officials.
A spokesperson for the Village of Broadview said a death threat was made to Mayor Katrina Thompson on Oct. 13. Village Hall received a bomb threat via phone call on Sept. 4.
According to a news release, a group of protesters tried to “storm Village Hall” last week and threatened to “shut down” a board meeting scheduled for Monday. But protesters say that’s not what happened.
“We were peacefully marching here to file some complaints. We were met by Chief Mills and peacefully dispersed. No threats were made,” a protester, who only wants to be identified as Ian, said.
In response, Thompson says she issued a “Civil Emergency Order” and held the board meeting remotely. The FBI has also been notified of the threats.
On Monday night, the Village of Broadview said threats to village officials have grown over the weekend after a clash between protesters and law enforcement outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center led to 21 arrests.
The clash also left at least four officers, including two Village of Broadview police officers, one Illinois State police officer, and a Cook County Sheriff’s deputy, injured. The two Broadview officers and the Cook County deputy were later taken to the hospital.
Thompson released the following statement regarding the threats:
“I will not allow threats of violence or intimidation to disrupt the essential functions of our government, and I will not allow other elected officials, Village Hall staff or residents to be placed in harm’s way, which is why I signed a civil emergency executive order to ensure we can conduct the public’s business securely and without fear of violence.”
Dozens of people under the impression the meeting was still being held in person showed up to Village Hall, where mounting tensions escalated between those who say they have roots in Broadview and out-of-town protesters.
“The protesters coming here are coming from out of our district. I live in Broadview and we’re not going to tolerate it,” resident Greg Buchanan said.
“We just want our community back,” resident Bryant Roby said. “These people don’t even live around here. I understand they are fighting for a righteous cause and we believe in human rights, but we live in this neighborhood and we want peace in our community.”
Ian says he was hit Monday night by someone who was allegedly threatening the protesters. Video of the incident was shared with WGN-TV.
“At the time, I had a cigarette in my mouth. Another gentleman grabbed it out of my mouth and threw it on the ground. A few moments later he smacked me in the face. He open hand hit me in the jaw,” he said.
WGN-TV requested an interview with Thompson prior to Monday’s meeting but we’re told the mayor is going to let the press release speak for itself.
In the meantime, the emergency order will remain in place until Thompson determines threats to village officials are no longer in place. During the remote meeting, she said she stands by her decisions.