With no permit, activists rally at gun shop again

By Emma Graves Fitzsimmons | Tribune staff reporter

October 28, 2007

Protesters were back at a south suburban gun store on Saturday to rally for gun control while the march's organizers defiantly refused to pay Riverdale police for a permit.

Organizers said the fee was excessive.

Rev. Michael Pfleger has staged frequent protests at Chuck's Gun Shop since May with Rev. Jesse Jackson, who could not be there on Saturday. The men say they are bringing attention to the availability of guns in suburban communities that are used on Chicago streets.

The march also sought to highlight the recent shooting deaths of six Chicago Public School students.

"We buried two children this week," Pfleger said. "We're not going to stop marching on gun shops until there are more strict gun laws."

The march started at Shekinah Chapel, and ended 10 blocks away at the gun shop in the 14300 block of Indiana Avenue. Organizers estimated that 300 people were involved.

Riverdale police sent Pfleger a letter Oct. 17 asking him to pay the cost of additional personnel for the protest and a $643 deposit. Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Roman Catholic Church, refused to pay.

"We are not paying money to gather in a peaceful assembly," he said. "If they don't want us there, they should vote Riverdale gun-free."

Among those who attended the rally were Ald. Howard Brookins (21st) and Will Burns, a candidate for state representative in the 26th District.

Criminal trespassing charges against Pfleger and Jackson were dropped this month after they were arrested in a June confrontation with John Riggio, the store's owner. The Cook County state's attorney's office said it dropped the charges after reviewing the evidence and determining it could not prove its case.

Riggio could not be reached for comment Saturday.

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efitzsimmons@tribune.com

More news from the land of violated rights and stupidity. Corruption is alive and well here in Chicago.Al Sharpton on the warpath.Glock pistols and ISRA news.

I guess since I screwed up the last "original" episode  so bad by not recording at a high enough level,I had to make a new " DIRECTORS CUT "

Technology is a female dog ! My Inaugural podcast is a bust . I will be doing it over later tonight.Sorry for the trouble, come back soon.

This is the first episode of many I hope. Just wanted to let people know about whats going on in the city of Chikkkago and the peoples republic of Illinois.

Welcome everyone to the inaugural launch of The  Militant Marksman. In this blog and webcast I will be attempting to educate the masses on various gun issues and corruption in the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago. I will be using humor and most importantly the truth. I welcome all comments and will discuss all issues regarding gun control and positive gun use.