Demonstrators protesting fatal police shooting force Mundelein to cancel board meeting
Demonstrators protesting the fatal shooting of a Mundelein woman by police temporarily occupied the boardroom inside village hall Monday night, prompting the cancellation of a scheduled meeting.
The protest came less than a week after Lake County prosecutors announced no charges would be filed in the death of 37-year-old Mary Alice Love, who was killed by Mundelein police at her home May 11 during a mental health crisis. The Love family responded by filing a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Mundelein and police Sgt. Christopher Brigano, who reportedly fired the deadly shots.
Monday’s demonstration began about 6 p.m. outside village hall, 300 Plaza Circle. The board meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m.
When the demonstration moved inside, dozens of people — including some with drums and bullhorns — filled the boardroom and yelled slogans including “Say her name” and “This is what democracy looks like.”
Village Administrator Eric Guenther tried to address the crowd and restore order from his seat at the dais, but his voice was drowned out by protester’s chants and noise. With the crowd refusing to relent, Guenther stood and announced the meeting was canceled.
“The village board and staff could not hear, deliberate or conduct the public's business,” Guenther explained via email Tuesday.
Officials left the boardroom through a side door as demonstrators jeered. “You get no work done until you get work done for Mary Alice Love,” one yelled.
The crowd broke up after 8 p.m. without any arrests, officials said.
In his email Tuesday, Guether said village officials understand the “strong emotions” surrounding the Love case and sympathize with those affected.
“However, while the public has the right to express its views, the village board also has a responsibility to conduct the public's business,” he said.
The village remains committed to respecting the public's right to be heard while ensuring that its elected officials can carry out their responsibilities to the entire community, Guenther added.
The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force spent months investigating the shooting. After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors didn’t feel they could prove officers committed any crimes, State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said last week.
A departmental investigation into whether officers’ actions were consistent with policies, procedures and training is ongoing. Brigano remains on paid administrative leave, pending that investigation’s outcome.
rlissau@dailyherald.com