Quick Hit:

Soros-backed Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has announced that she will not prosecute "peaceful" protesters at the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC), even extending this leniency to those committing misdemeanors. 

Key Details:

• Kim Foxx, backed by a $408,000 donation from a George Soros super PAC in 2016, announced she will not prosecute “peaceful” protesters at the DNC.
• Foxx’s policy extends to misdemeanors like disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, and even curfew violations, despite previous promises of stricter enforcement.
• This leniency echoes her response to the 2020 riots, where she released hundreds of protesters, including those who caused property damage.

Diving Deeper:

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has once again revealed her lenient approach to law enforcement, this time announcing that she will not prosecute “peaceful” protesters at the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. 

 In April, Foxx told the Chicago Tribune that her previous policy, detailed in a November 15 memo, would not apply during the DNC. She hinted that protesters might face arrests, however, her latest announcement seems to suggest that the lenient November 15 policy is back in play.

Foxx’s decision extends beyond just those who might be considered “peaceful” protesters. In fact, she has made it clear that her office will not prosecute individuals arrested for misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, unlawful gathering, and even curfew violations. This blanket policy of non-prosecution is troubling, particularly given the potential for large-scale protests that could easily spiral out of control.

This leniency is not a new development. Foxx, who received a $408,000 donation from a George Soros super PAC in 2016, has maintained a similar stance since the 2020 riots. During those tumultuous events, her office released hundreds of protesters, including individuals who had caused significant property damage. 

Moreover, while Foxx has vaguely promised to prosecute cases involving vandalism or violence, reports from Wirepoints suggest that her office may still handle such offenses with kid gloves. Prosecutor’s office sources indicate that crimes such as resisting arrest, assault, and even aggravated battery to a police officer might still be prosecuted, but the overall message of leniency is unmistakable.

This stands in direct opposition to the message coming from other city authorities. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has made it clear that it will not tolerate violent protests, going so far as to revise its arrest policy in anticipation of the DNC. CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling has stated that the department is authorized to conduct mass arrests if necessary, emphasizing a readiness to address potential vandalism or violence. Yet, with Foxx’s office at the helm of prosecutions, it is unclear how much support the police will receive once the State’s Attorney’s Office becomes involved.