For a third consecutive night, Chicago saw hundreds of anti-Israel protests while the Democratic National Convention (DNC) continued nearby at the United Center arena.
Protesters, many wearing keffiyehs, gathered in larger numbers than Tuesday. They marched down Maypole Avenue along Park 578, waving flags and banners. Among them was a large banner saying, “Biden, Harris You Will See! Palestine Will Be Free!” alongside others reading “End U.S. Aid To Israel” and “Stop Genocide.”
A march leader used a megaphone to chant, “DNC your hands are red!” with the crowd echoing back.
Paul Mauro from Fox News, present at the scene, described the early evening protests as “peaceful but very boisterous.”
“The largest we’ve seen so far. It’s so large there are three separate bullhorns covering about three or four city blocks, roughly half a mile,” Mauro reported.
Later, police guided the anti-Israel protest marchers back to Union Park, where the demonstration started. Officers, organised with bike units and riot police, cordoned off the march route. Toward sunset, the crowd began to thin out, though a few demonstrators remained.
The protests occurred a few miles from the United Center, where on Wednesday, former President Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were scheduled to appear.
Chicago police confirmed that 56 protesters were arrested the previous day after violent clashes with officers.
The confrontation took place outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate, located about two miles from the United Center.
Police said one individual faced a felony charge for resisting an officer. Nine others were charged with misdemeanours, including disorderly conduct, resisting a police officer, battery, assault, and criminal damage to property. Thirty people received citations for disorderly conduct.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Fox News reports on the third night of anti-Israel demonstrations near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Protesters gathered in larger numbers, burning American flags and chanting “Free Palestine”. Police intervened, making arrests and confiscating megaphones. (read more)
- ABC7 News reports that pro-Palestinian, anti-DNC protesters confronted Chicago police in a rally outside the Israeli Consulate, resulting in several arrests and significant police deployment. (read more)
- AP News reports on the protests outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, focusing on issues like economic inequity, reproductive rights, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, with anticipated turnout of at least 20,000 individuals. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where did the anti-Israel demonstrations in Chicago take place?
The demonstrations took place along Maypole Avenue and Park 578.
How did Fox News describe the early evening demonstrations?
Fox News described them as ‘peaceful but very boisterous.’
How many protesters were arrested during the demonstrations?
Fifty-six protesters were arrested.
What were some of the charges against the arrested protesters?
Charges included felony for resisting an officer, misdemeanors like disorderly conduct, resisting a police officer, battery, assault, and criminal damage.
Were the demonstrations close to the Democratic National Convention?
Yes, they were just a few miles away from the United Center where the DNC was held.