This story was originally published by ProPublica Illinois.
Fifty years ago this week, violence outside the convention and infighting within it captured the country’s attention, becoming an enduring sign of the political and cultural battles of the era, even for those of us who were born later.
But, the report concluded: “The nature of the response was unrestrained and indiscriminate police violence on many occasions, particularly at night. That violence was made all the more shocking by the fact that it was often inflicted upon persons who had broken no law, disobeyed no order, made no threat. . . . Newsmen and photographers were singled out for assault.”
“Just a note from a Republican to tell you I support you 1000% in your great effort to maintain law and order in our city,” Illinois state rep Henry Hyde wrote on August 29, 1968—three decades before he would lead the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in the U.S. House of Representatives. “God bless you and our courageous policemen!”
A number of clergy also gave their blessing to the mayor and the police, including a Catholic priest at Saint Nicholas Church in Evanston.
Daley remained in power until his death in 1976, the archetype of the old-school political strongman who ruled as he saw fit.
