Healey: Clashes won’t alter Chicago’s image

Healey: Clashes won’t alter Chicago’s image
A Chicago Police officer confronts a protester during a march and rally at this weekend's NATO summit in Chicago Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Chicago. AP/Charles Rex Arbogast
Healey: Clashes won’t alter Chicago’s image
A Chicago Police officer confronts a protester during a march and rally at this weekend's NATO summit in Chicago Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Chicago. AP/Charles Rex Arbogast

Healey: Clashes won’t alter Chicago’s image

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

The head of Chicago’s NATO host committee says she isn’t worried about the city’s international image following violent clashes Sunday between police and protesters.

Photos and video of Chicago police hitting demonstrators with batons - and protesters throwing things at cops - aired on several major news outlets Monday.

But Chicago NATO Host Committee Chair Lori Healey commends Chicago police for how they have handled themselves after three days of being taunted by protesters.

“I think that everybody is aware, certainly everyone here attending the summit, is that was an incredibly isolated incident. It was after hours of taunting the police,” she said. “You don’t see the picture of the bike rack that got tossed onto the police, or the horses that almost got stabbed. I mean, you don’t see any of that.”

Officials reported more than 40 protesters were arrested Sunday.