From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Broadview Six Judge Holds Crucial Hearing
U.S. District Judge April Perry prepares to weigh consequences of federal misconduct in Broadview Six case.
In brief
U.S. District Judge April Perry prepares to weigh consequences of federal misconduct in Broadview Six case. U.S. District Judge April Perry will hold hearing next week to determine sanctions for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros after finding evidence of prosecutorial misconduct in Broadview Six case. Originally reported…
Broadview Six case
U.S. District Judge April Perry will hold hearing next week to determine consequences of federal misconduct in Broadview Six case.
Broadview Six defendants
Former defendants include congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, Oak Park village trustee Brian Straw, Cook County Board candidate Catherine Sharp, 45th Ward Democratic committeeperson Michael Rabbitt, musician Joselyn Walsh and Abughazaleh campaign worker Andre Martin.
Broadview Six protest
The case revolved around an Operation Midway Blitz protest on September 26, 2025 where a crowd allegedly pushed and damaged a federal agent's SUV.
Grand jury misconduct
Perry found three types of prosecutorial misconduct in unredacted grand jury transcripts including assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Mecklenburg speaking with grand jurors outside the room and excusing jurors who disagreed with the prosecution.
Redacted transcripts
Perry discovered the misconduct was redacted out of initial transcripts given by the feds, calling this the most problematic issue.
U.S. Attorney's response
U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros dropped charges against four defendants and admitted mistakes were made but implemented reforms to prevent future misconduct.
Hearing timeline
Perry announced hearing arguments on October 1 to determine whether to name an independent special counsel for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros.
Legal requests
Defense attorneys asked Perry to award attorneys' fees, allow further fact-finding and force Boutros' office to hand over communications with Justice Department officials.
Perry's concerns
Perry raised the possibility of sanctions for prosecutorial misconduct, ethical violations and lack of candor to the court.
One-year anniversary
The one-year anniversary of the Broadview Six protest occurs Saturday, October 2, 2026.
Previous ruling
Perry previously blocked deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois against local elected officials in a ruling that withstood challenges all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Special counsel request
Defense attorneys requested an independent special counsel to investigate U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros and others for misconduct.
Hearing significance
The hearing could prove crucial as multiple judges questioned whether they could trust Boutros' office following the misconduct revelations.
Next steps
Perry will likely probe and challenge lawyers to determine consequences of federal misconduct in Broadview Six case.
At a glance
U.S. District Judge April Perry will hold hearing next week to determine sanctions for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros after finding evidence of prosecutorial misconduct in Broadview Six case.
