A series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention led to intense confrontations with police and multiple arrests as tensions flared outside the Israeli consulate and throughout the surrounding streets.
The protests, which spanned two days, saw demonstrators clashing with law enforcement as they called for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
On Tuesday, the second night of the convention, protests escalated near the Israeli consulate in Chicago.
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Anti-Israel protesters, many dressed in black and wearing face coverings, confronted a heavy police presence.
According to reports, the demonstrations turned volatile within minutes, with protesters charging at a line of police officers who had blocked their path.
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Despite the officers’ efforts to contain the crowd, the demonstrators managed to move past them, leading to a series of confrontations throughout the night.
🚨 A protestor just challenged Chicago PD… and LOST 🤣
Chicago PD: “Come here”
Protestor: *Moves closer trying to intimidate officer*
Officer IMMEDIATELY arrests him 😂 pic.twitter.com/0Jn1oJurZn
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 21, 2024
The protesters, many of whom carried Palestinian flags, were heard shouting expletives at the police, with one demonstrator leading chants of “F— every single one of you until you quit your job.”
The situation escalated as some protesters set an American flag on fire, while others called for the shutdown of the Democratic National Convention.
Chicago — “F—k this country! Burn it down!”
Masked far-left DNC protesters outside the Israeli consulate burn an American flag and call for the violent destruction of the United States. pic.twitter.com/FbKv2WVsCk— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) August 21, 2024
🚨 NOW: Leftist protestors are BURNING an American flag outside the DNC as mass arrests are underway
JOY AND UNITY! pic.twitter.com/MMyIp3WXLj
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 21, 2024
The protests were organized under the slogan “Make it great like ‘68,” referencing the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention protests against the Vietnam War.
As the night wore on, police in riot gear repeatedly penned in groups of demonstrators, declaring the gathering an unlawful assembly.
🚨#BREAKING: Live on the ground hundreds of Chicago police who are in riot gear are currently clashing with Pro Palestine protesters along with other activists things are extremely tense right now pic.twitter.com/gri4MWDYCa
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) August 21, 2024
Despite warnings to disperse, many protesters remained defiant, leading to a number of arrests.
Chicago — Police are beginning to make large numbers of arrests to shut down the DNC riot. pic.twitter.com/XwYwjbZptl
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) August 21, 2024
The Chicago chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, which provided legal observers during the protests, reported that at least 72 people were arrested on Tuesday night.
Earlier in the day, a separate group of Israel supporters, including relatives of individuals kidnapped by Hamas, held a peaceful gathering near the consulate.
They urged U.S. leaders to continue their support for Israel and advocated for the release of hostages. The event included an art installation featuring giant milk cartons with photos of the hostages, symbolizing the ongoing crisis.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, who was present at the demonstrations, defended the actions of his officers, stating that the police response was proportional to the threats posed by certain demonstrators.
🚨Pro-Palestine protestors (rioters) just marched towards Chicago police officers at the Israeli consulate and engaged ATTACKED them.
Follow me here and @TodayisAmerica for live coverage pic.twitter.com/P7vHoT71Oi
— Cam Higby 🇺🇸 (@camhigby) August 21, 2024
Snelling described the protests as being attended by individuals intent on creating chaos, with some resorting to violent acts against the police. He noted that while the majority of protesters were peaceful, a small group escalated tensions by clashing with law enforcement.
The protests on Monday, the first day of the convention, were less confrontational but still resulted in 13 arrests, primarily related to a brief breach of security fencing near the United Center, where the convention was being held.
Police reported that some demonstrators used pepper spray against officers and threw water bottles during the clash.
As the convention continued, law enforcement in Chicago remained on high alert, with additional security measures implemented around key sites, including the United Center and the Israeli consulate.
Superintendent Snelling assured the public that his department was prepared to handle any further unrest, emphasizing that the city would not tolerate violence or vandalism.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Chicago’s police force was commended by some for showing restraint during the protests.
However, criticism also emerged from participants and observers who questioned the heavy police presence and tactics used to control the crowds.
As the week progresses, more protests are expected, with organizers continuing to push their message against U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing conflict.
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