Black dad says his family was only one asked to show ID at apartment complex pool they were entitled to use
A black father from Atlanta, Leo Sullivan, says he was singled out and asked to show identification at an apartment complex swimming pool near Chicago that he and his sons were entitled to use, in an incident he has described as racially motivated. Video of the confrontation, shared widely online, shows Sullivan's young son in tears as he pleaded with his father to comply, fearing he would be arrested, while two women he called "racist" allegedly called the police on the family. The case has drawn attention from civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, who condemned it as "ridiculous."
Sullivan was staying at the Arden of Warrenville, roughly 30 miles from Chicago, to show his children where he grew up when his son wanted to visit the pool the day before they were due to leave. He claims two women confronted him, questioning his presence and demanding ID despite his showing proof he was renting an Airbnb in the building, and that police were called twice. Sullivan says officers confirmed on the first visit that he did not need to show identification to use the pool, but he was later accused by the women of threatening and harassing them, prompting a second police visit. He said he felt "humiliated" but praised the police as "gracious," and indicated he may pursue legal action.
- Black father says he alone was asked for ID at Illinois pool.
- Video shows his son in tears, fearing his dad's arrest.
- Police called twice; civil rights lawyer Ben Crump calls it "ridiculous."