FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 4, 2025
chiheadlineclub@gmail.com
Chicago Headline Club response to DHS attempt to challenge the dismissal of the court case CHC brought during “Operation Midway Blitz” and statement by Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin:
The Chicago Headline Club went to federal court to stand up for freedom of the press when federal agents tried to trample upon our constitutional rights. It’s that simple. Our organization backs reporters as they pursue fair, impartial, honest, and truthful journalism without fear or favor.
Our court case accomplished what we wanted — a ruling that prevented federal agents from interfering with our right to cover the news. Reporters, protesters, and religious leaders faced tear gas, pepper balls, and other over-the-top actions perpetrated by federal agents during “Operation Midway Blitz.”
We respectfully note that U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis reviewed video and evidence and found the government’s version of what happened during “Operation Midway Blitz” was flat-out “not credible.” She said the federal government’s aggressive activity “shocks the conscience.”
As we noted earlier, Commander Bovino left town quickly once Ellis exposed the truth about Operation Midway Blitz actions and the lies told by federal agents.
We expected an appeal, and we moved to dismiss the suit. We’ll take the win, and we’re prepared to go back to court if federal agents once again threaten our sacred 1st Amendment right.
Today, the federal government argued in court that we can’t dismiss the suit and then file a new action later if the government comes back and causes more harm in the future. As Judge Ellis noted, that view is contrary to the law. If the federal government harms journalists in Chicago in the future, we and our attorneys will fight for our rights.
We urge everyone to read the ruling by Judge Ellis.
Here is the video deposition of Gregory Bovino, commander of Operation Midway Blitz.
In addition to the Chicago Headline Club, other plaintiffs included Block Club Chicago and the Chicago Newspaper Guild.
Respectfully,
The Chicago Headline Club Board of Directors