90 Miles From Tyranny

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Levi-Strauss Doubles Down on Gun Control Push

Levi-Strauss is doubling down on its move into progressive politics by joining forces with Bloomberg to push radical gun control measures:

Levi Strauss & Co. is taking a stand against gun violence, an unexpectedly political move from the all-American denim company that could turn off some customers — but also win it points with a new segment of shoppers.

The San Francisco-based retailer said last week it is pledging more than $1 million to support nonprofits and youth activists who are working to end gun violence. The company is also partnering with Michael Bloomberg to help create a coalition of business leaders who support gun control measures and encouraging employees to get involved in political causes.

“The gun violence epidemic in America has hit a point where something has to be done,” chief executive Chip Bergh said in an interview. “It’s inevitable that we’re going to alienate some consumers, but we can no longer sit on the sidelines and remain silent on this issue.”

He added that consumer reaction so far has been...

“Cicero getting off I-55, I’ve been shot, I’ve been shot several times,” Officer Luis Duarte can be heard saying as he called in his own injuries. The Cicero, Illinois, cop and and his partner had had been pursuing a suspect when things took a frightening turn when they attempted to stop a car with California plates that had been reported stolen, according to ABC7.

Cicero Police Department Superintendent Jerry Chlada, Jr. explained what happened next. “The vehicle refused to stop, our officers were able to box the vehicle in right at the entrance ramp at I-55 and Cicero Avenue where the subject immediately exited his vehicle and began shooting multiple rounds at our officers.”

The Chicago Sun Times reported that the suspect used an automatic weapon to spray bullets at officers and their vehicle. That is when Duarte was hit four times, twice in the arm, once in the leg and once in the abdomen.

But Chlada told reporters that something remarkable happened then. “We were lucky enough to have a citizen on the street there who’s a concealed-carry holder, and he also engaged in gunfire.”

The suspect was hit by gunfire and then captured. He was taken to the hospital where he was listed as being in serious condition.

Town President Larry Dominick praised the unidentified citizen, stuck in rush hour traffic at the time of the incident, who leaped to the defense of the officers. “He got out and started helping the police, which is something I’ve got to be proud of.”

According to the Chicago Tribune, Dominick also had this to say about the citizen helper. “I want to applaud the citizen, a civilian, who risked his life to help in apprehending this armed suspect.”

The Cicero Police Department has been posting updates on Twitter. In one, they shared some good news about Duarte:

They also thanked the community for the overwhelming response. All over social media, love, prayers and support have been poured out for the police in general and Duarte, specifically: