CHICAGO—Emmerson Buie Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office, announced today the creation of the Digital Media Tip Line (DMTL) to aid in the identification of actors instigating and conducting violent crimes in the Chicago area. FBI Chicago is seeking information regarding all violent crimes, but particularly those related to organized and deliberate violent activity in the Chicago area in the past 24 hours. Using the DMTL, members of the public will have the ability to upload their own photographs and videos of violent crimes by individuals or organized groups for law enforcement analysis.

As always, the FBI respects the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. Our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is dual and simultaneous, not contradictory. Accordingly, we are committed to apprehending and charging violent instigators who are exploiting legitimate, peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law. Violence, potential threats to life, and destruction of property in the city of Chicago interfere with the rights and safety of First Amendment-protected peaceful demonstrators and all other citizens.

We urge all witnesses of unlawful violent actions to submit any information, photos, or videos to www.fbi.gov/chicagotips.