Chicago: Protesters broke through a fence erected by police near the venue on Monday, the opening day of the Democratic National Convention, as thousands took to the streets to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza.
As the larger group marched, several dozen protesters tore down sections of the security fence. Some protesters, dressed in black and with their faces covered, dragged sections of the fence into a park near the United Center, where the convention is taking place.
Several protesters who managed to get through the fence were arrested and handcuffed by police. Authorities said the internal security perimeter around the convention site had not been breached and there was no danger to convention attendees. Members of the crowd chanted “End the occupation immediately” and then “The whole world is watching!” just as anti-Vietnam War protesters did during the infamous 1968 convention in Chicago, when police and protesters clashed on live television. Officers donned gas masks as some protesters attempted to tear down a second fence that had been erected before police reached it.
The march came just as President Joe Biden, who has faced heavy criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, including the protesters, was walking around the largely empty United Center. Biden was scheduled to address the party that evening.
“Biden, you can’t hide. We accuse you of genocide,” the protesters chanted amid drumbeats. They also called him “Genocide Joe” and directed similar slogans at Vice President Kamala Harris.
The protesters said their plans have not changed since Biden dropped out of the race and the party has quickly rallied behind Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week. The activists said they are ready to take their progressive message to the country’s top Democratic politicians.
“We must do our part to stop the genocide, end U.S. aid to Israel and stand with Palestine,” said Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesman for the DNC march coalition, which includes hundreds of organizations.
The heavy police presence at the march included Chicago Police Commissioner Larry Snelling, who walked in front of the protesters in a group of officers. Mayor Brandon Johnson said authorities were well prepared. “The city of Chicago is really good at this kind of thing,” he said at a news conference. “We’re ready.” Organizers had hoped at least 20,000 people would attend Monday’s rally and march, but it appeared only a few thousand were present when the march began, although city officials declined to give a crowd estimate.
“We are proud of the turnout, especially given the level of repression by the city,” said organizer Faayani Aboma Mijana. The Chicago area is home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the country, and buses brought activists from across the country.
Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, flew in from Atlanta to attend the march. Cook said the group is urging all Democrats to call for an end to aid to Israel, with a particular focus on Harris.
“We’re telling Kamala she’s complicit in this. People think it’s just Joe Biden, but she’s vice president,” Cook said. “So we’re saying you have to stop this if you want our vote.” Medea Benjamin, who traveled to Chicago from Washington, D.C., with a female-led group of protesters calling for peace, said she was shocked that the Biden administration recently approved an additional $20 billion in arms sales to Israel.
“There is an incredible discrepancy between what the people of this country are demanding and what the government is doing,” she said before the rally in Union Park. “We are so disgusted by that.” Pro-Palestinian supporters flocked to the rally in the park west of the Loop business district. Before the march, independent presidential candidate Cornel West gave a speech to the crowd, which greeted him with cheers.
“This is not about Machiavellian politics or utilitarian electoral calculations,” he yelled into a microphone. “This is about morality. This is about spirituality.”
During the rally, about 40 pro-Israel supporters marched through the park. They remained mostly silent and waved Israeli flags. They were accompanied by about 20 police officers on bicycles. Although tensions rose at times, no physical confrontations occurred. Josh Weiner, co-founder of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, who marched with the pro-Israel group, said their intention was to “make our presence felt.” He said the group had applied for permits that were not approved by the city. “The pro-Palestinian protesters have received several permits, including for a march that seems a little one-sided,” Weiner said.
(With contributions from the agency)
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