As the Democratic National Convention descends upon Chicago this week, it’s being hailed by Democratic insiders as a week of “unity” and “coming together.”
But if day one of the convention is any indicator of things to come this week, it’s going to look more like anarchy than unity in the Windy City!
Last night, protesters began what is set to be many demonstrations aimed at the Democratic Party. According to local media outlet WBBM, a large coalition of feminist and LGBTQ+ organizations called Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws marched for over three hours. Hundreds of people protested, demanding action on reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and an end to the Israel-Hamas War.
On eve of DNC, protesters fill downtown Chicago streetshttps://t.co/oy9RTeCm2c pic.twitter.com/YpVtZHNv5f
— WBBM Newsradio (@WBBMNewsradio) August 19, 2024
A crowd of roughly 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters marched through downtown Chicago last night, chanting “Shut down the DNC.”
However, large scale protests — particularly about the Israel-Hamas War — are being planned this week, with many demonstrations already beginning.
Chicago officials are taking extra security precautions to avoid a repeat of of their 1968 convention, when scenes of fighting erupted among delegates, and clouds of tear gas and police batons were seen over the Vietnam War.
According to Fox News, the Coalition to March on the D.N.C., an umbrella group of organizations on the left that is helping to organize the planned protests, said in a social media posting on Sunday that Democratic Party officials “underestimate our rage, our tenacity, and our steadfast commitment to the precious life of every Palestinian person enduring this horrific genocide. We’re fighting back.”
"(Our politicians) underestimate our rage, our tenacity, and our steadfast commitment to the precious life of every Palestinian person enduring this horrific genocide. We’re fighting back."
-USCPR's @A7madAbuznaid #marchondnc2024March with us on the DNC: https://t.co/cVIgV8OXJQ pic.twitter.com/WV2ufcT3GU
— USCPR #StopArmingIsrael (@USCPR_) August 11, 2024
Today, video was captured of one protestor disrupting the convention ranting about the Biden administration’s support for Israel.
The protest fun is already beginning at DNC in chicago.pic.twitter.com/j1okM4dsuu
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) August 19, 2024
Also happening today, pro-Palestinian protesters confronting Israeli supporters that prompted a small police presence.
Chicago police have arrived on bikes as the two crowds stop at the southeast corner of Union Park. There has been no additional exchange between the two crowds. pic.twitter.com/vWEP1N98TT
— Isaiah Reynolds (@IsaiahReynoldz) August 19, 2024
According to Reuters, pro-Palestinian supporters have for months protested the Biden administration’s military and financial support for Israel.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised police and march organizers for a peaceful Sunday night protest he said went off without any problems.
He said officers stood ready to ensure the demonstrations stay peaceful throughout the week.
“Listen, it’s this simple. The Chicago Police Department is here to protect everyone in this city,” Snelling said. “What we will not tolerate is intimidation. We we will not tolerate violence.”
Another large protest was scheduled for Thursday, when Kamala Harris is expected to accept the nomination.
Do not expect the protests to simmer down this week in Chicago.