American Almanac – October 8, 2011

At 10:25 p.m., Jones gave the pre-arranged signal over a bullhorn, and the Weatherman action began. John Jacobs, Jeff Jones, David Gilbert and others led a charge south through the city toward the Drake Hotel, smashing windows in automobiles and buildings as they went. The protesters attacked “cars, a barber shop, the windows of lower-middle-class homes, police cars and luxury businesses. The crowd ran about four blocks before encountering police barricades. The mob charged the police breaking off into small groups, and more than 1,000 police counter-attacked. Although many protesters had motorcycle or football helmets on, the police were better trained and armed; nightsticks were aimed at necks, legs and groins. Large amounts of tear gas were used, and at least twice police ran squad cars full speed into crowds. After only a half-hour or so, the riot was over: 28 policemen were injured (none seriously), six Weathermen were shot and an unknown number injured, and 68 protesters were arrested. Jacobs was arrested almost immediately. The events didn’t end on the 8th. On October 9th, a Women’s Militia led by Bernardine Dohrn was over powered by police as they left Grant Park to raid a draft board office. On the night of the 10th, the group discovered that a police informant had gained access to thier organization. the man was severely beaten. The assailant was the first of the group to go underground. on October the 11th, a group of about 300 broke through police lines and damaged businesses and cars. The police were ready and the riot was quelled in about 15 minutes. All in all, The Days of Rage cost Chicago and the state of Illinois about $183,000 ($100,000 for National Guard payroll, $35,000 in damages, and $20,000 for one injured citizen’s medical expenses). 287 members of Weather were arrested during the Days of Rage and most of Weatherman and SDS’ leaders were jailed. The organization paid out more than $243,000 to cover bail. Jones and other Weathermen failed to appear for their March 1970 court date to face charges of “crossing state lines to foment a riot and conspiring to do so.” “Unlawful flight to avoid prosecution” charges were added when they failed to appear in court. the group moved underground and was never brought to justice. Many of it’s members are now considered heroes by the far left. They walk around free men and women. The taxpayers of Illinois were left stuck with the bill for the violent actions that ended up hurting the very men and women that the group claimed to speak for.]]]]> ]]>