Ariel Atkins, a lead organizer for Black Lives Matter Chicago, defended this past weekend's widespread looting as "reparations."
"I don’t care if somebody decides to loot a Gucci’s or a Macy’s or a Nike because that makes sure that that person eats," said Atkins at a recent rally. "That makes sure that that person has clothes."
"That’s reparations,” Atkins continued. "Anything they want to take, take it because these businesses have insurance. They're going to get their money back. My people aren't getting anything."
She also criticized Rev. Jesse Jackson, who denounced the looting and called it "humiliating, embarrassing, and morally wrong."
"Jesse Jackson has nothing to do with Black Lives Matter," Atkins responded. "Jesse Jackson was not there for the creation of Black Lives Matter. Jesse Jackson can keep his opinions to himself."
This past weekend saw 100 arrests and 13 police officers injured after 20-year-old Latrell Allen was shot and wounded after opening fire on police. Allen is expected to survive but will face attempted murder charges.
Authorities said the officers involved in the shooting did not have body cameras and are asking the community for any eyewitnesses or video footage of the incident.
Source: New York Post
