CHICAGO — A 30-year-old woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly driving her car into a crowd of immigration protesters in downtown Chicago, seriously injuring a 66-year-old woman while her children were inside the vehicle.
Incident Near Loop Protest Turns Violent
The incident occurred on June 10 near State and Monroe streets, where demonstrators had gathered to protest former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to Cook County prosecutors, the suspect — identified as Deirdre Kemp — ignored verbal and physical police commands and drove directly into the assembled crowd.
Police had closed portions of the Loop to facilitate the protest, but Kemp, behind the wheel of a 2003 Kia Spectra, refused to reroute.
Police Say She Was Already Out On Bond
Prosecutors noted that Kemp was already on bail in Will County for a 2022 hit-and-run case involving similar behavior — leaving the scene of an accident after a violent incident. She reportedly had her children in the car during the downtown protest incident.
As officers attempted to stop her vehicle, a sergeant tried to grab the steering wheel, causing Kemp to swerve. That swerve caused the officer to collide with Heather Blair, 66, who suffered a broken arm, bruises, and multiple scratches, according to the charges.
Chopper Surveillance Aided Arrest
After fleeing the scene, Kemp’s car was tracked by a Chicago police helicopter and a TV news chopper, which recorded “electronic evidence” that helped identify her. She later surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody without further incident.
Judge Orders Detention Over Public Safety Concerns
At her court appearance, Judge John Hock ordered Kemp detained, highlighting the danger she posed to others. “She could have injured many more people,” the judge said, referencing her violent felony bond status in another county.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Kemp now faces several charges in connection to the Loop incident:
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Aggravated reckless driving causing bodily harm
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Aggravated fleeing causing bodily injury
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Driving on a suspended license
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Failure to obey a police officer
She also received multiple traffic citations and remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Have you witnessed unsafe driving or protest-related disruptions in downtown Chicago? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
