Protesters plan to shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway next week

A group of activists are planning on marching on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago, Illinois, next week.

Protesters who are looking to raise awareness about gun violence in the city of Chicago are planning a protest called “Shut Down The Dan Ryan” on July 7. Starting at 10 a.m., an expected 1000 people plan to walk a mile and a half in the northbound lanes of the Dan Ryan from 79th Street to 67th Street.

The event is being organized by outspoken public figure Father Michael Pfleger, who wrote in a Facebook post highlighting the event that “We will disrupt the flow of traffic because gun violence has disrupted the lives of thousands Chicagoans. We want our city to act vigorously to bring about systemic change and real solutions….for our children! NO business as usual when children die in our streets. JOIN US!!!!!”

The protest activities have been planned close to the Fourth of July holiday, a day when gun violence historically spikes. Last year on the Fourth of July, 15 people were fatally shot and another 87 wounded by gunfire in Chicago, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Both the Illinois State Police and local police are aware of the planned protest activities.