A crowd of protesters gathered Wednesday night in Federal Plaza just hours after the Senate acquitted President Donald Trump on impeachment articles of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
Following the end of the third presidential impeachment trial in American history, a coalition of Chicago groups rallied to “reject the cover-up” as part of a nationwide organizing effort.
Shouts of “cover up!” emerged from the crowd as signs bobbed with messages such as “Dump Trump!!” and “Sad Day U.S.A.” A small Trump baby balloon was again on display. One member of the crowd held a homemade sign saying “HE IS THE SWAMP,” adorned with what appeared to be an illustration of a swamp creature.
Representatives of groups including Common Cause, Arab American Family Services and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights shared their dismay at the acquittal and the administration’s policies, and urged the crowd to focus on next steps.
Among the speakers at the rally organized by Indivisible Chicago was ACLU of Illinois communications director Ed Yohnka.
“This is not just about a trial that never happened,” Yohnka said. “This is not just about our courts. This is about our country and who we are. And it means that at every turn we must stand together to protect the civil rights and civil liberties, not just that protect us, that protect everyone.”
Cathy Shanley, a retired Chicago Public Schools teacher, said she came to the protest “because Trump should be impeached.”
“We have a completely dishonest government,” Shanley said.
Shanley’s friend, Laura Amend, “as in amend the constitution,” said she was also disappointed in the day’s news.
“When you go through a situation like this it can be very isolating and very discouraging, and that’s why it’s good to come out and see like-minded people and know that there are folks who are planning for the future,” Amend said.
The women said they were putting their efforts toward registering people to vote.
“Who will protect our democracy?” the crowd asked. “We will!”
U.S. senators Wednesday largely voted along party lines to acquit Trump in the two articles of impeachment that resulted from Trump’s pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden ahead of the election.
Trump denied all wrongdoing for months and his political campaign tweeted videos, statements and a cartoon dance Wednesday celebrating that he was “vindicated.” Trump tweeted that he would speak from the White House on Thursday about “our Country’s VICTORY on the Impeachment Hoax.”
Stephen Meyer, of Lincoln Park, said he had expected the acquittal. As the crowd cheered “Vote them out!” Meyer stood in the crowd with a light-up sign and his 6-year-old daughter on his shoulders.
“I thought what the Senate did was wrong — not having a real trial with witnesses, with evidence. And rather than feel powerless about it tonight, when it happened I decided to come out here,” Meyer said. “And also show my daughter, we’re doing something.”
Meyer said he plans to put his energy toward campaigning now, for candidates such as Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood.
“Maybe canvassing there, maybe going up to Wisconsin to register voters, sending postcards — a lot of postcards,” Meyer said.
After the protest at Federal Plaza wrapped up, a smaller crowd headed east on West Adams Street and turned on to North State Street as snow flurries coated the sidewalks. The crowd chanted: “Trump, Pence, out now.”
The remaining protesters kept on toward Trump Tower, the same route organizers followed ahead of the historic impeachment vote in December.
The Associated Press contributed.
mgreene@chicagotribune.com