Protesters broke through a police-secured fence near the site of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, marking the event’s opening day. Thousands marched to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza, with some demonstrators causing minor disturbances.
As the main group of protesters marched, a few dozen broke away, tearing down pieces of the security fence near the United Center, where the convention is being held, AP reported.
Several protesters, dressed in black with their faces covered, dragged portions of the fence back to a nearby park. Police detained and handcuffed several protesters who managed to get through the fence. Authorities confirmed that the inner security perimeter surrounding the convention site was not breached, assuring no threat to the attendees.
Chants of “End the occupation now” and “The whole world is watching!” were heard, which notably resonated with echoes of the 1968 anti-Vietnam War protests in Chicago. During those protests, police clashed with demonstrators on live television.
On Monday, officers prepared by putting on gas masks while some protesters attempted to bring down a second fence set up in front of the police.
The march occurred as President Joe Biden conducted a walk-through of the largely empty United Center. Biden, who has faced intense criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, was scheduled to address the party in the evening.
“Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide,” chanted the marchers amid drum beats. They also referred to him as “Genocide Joe” and directed similar chants at Vice President Kamala Harris.
Protesters maintained that their plans remained unchanged since Biden left the race, with the party quickly rallying behind Harris, who is set to accept the Democratic nomination this week. Activists expressed their intent to amplify their progressive message before the nation’s top Democratic leaders.
“We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine,” said Hatem Abudayyeh, spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC, which includes hundreds of organisations.
The march saw a heavy police presence, including Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, who walked with a group of officers ahead of the protesters. Mayor Brandon Johnson stated that authorities were well-prepared for the event.
“The city of Chicago is really good at things like this,” Johnson said at a news conference. “We are ready.”
Organisers had hoped for at least 20,000 participants in Monday’s rally and march but only a few thousand appeared to be present at the march’s start. Although the city officials declined to provide a crowd estimate.
As the main group of protesters marched, a few dozen broke away, tearing down pieces of the security fence near the United Center, where the convention is being held, AP reported.
Several protesters, dressed in black with their faces covered, dragged portions of the fence back to a nearby park. Police detained and handcuffed several protesters who managed to get through the fence. Authorities confirmed that the inner security perimeter surrounding the convention site was not breached, assuring no threat to the attendees.
Chants of “End the occupation now” and “The whole world is watching!” were heard, which notably resonated with echoes of the 1968 anti-Vietnam War protests in Chicago. During those protests, police clashed with demonstrators on live television.
On Monday, officers prepared by putting on gas masks while some protesters attempted to bring down a second fence set up in front of the police.
The march occurred as President Joe Biden conducted a walk-through of the largely empty United Center. Biden, who has faced intense criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, was scheduled to address the party in the evening.
“Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide,” chanted the marchers amid drum beats. They also referred to him as “Genocide Joe” and directed similar chants at Vice President Kamala Harris.
Protesters maintained that their plans remained unchanged since Biden left the race, with the party quickly rallying behind Harris, who is set to accept the Democratic nomination this week. Activists expressed their intent to amplify their progressive message before the nation’s top Democratic leaders.
“We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine,” said Hatem Abudayyeh, spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC, which includes hundreds of organisations.
The march saw a heavy police presence, including Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, who walked with a group of officers ahead of the protesters. Mayor Brandon Johnson stated that authorities were well-prepared for the event.
“The city of Chicago is really good at things like this,” Johnson said at a news conference. “We are ready.”
Organisers had hoped for at least 20,000 participants in Monday’s rally and march but only a few thousand appeared to be present at the march’s start. Although the city officials declined to provide a crowd estimate.
