On the opening day of the Democratic National Convention, thousands of pro-Palestine protesters took to the streets on Monday in Chicago, US, to express their opposition to the war in Gaza, international media reported. The demonstration began with a rally at Union Park, where activists gathered before marching towards the United Center, the convention venue.
During the march, a group of protesters broke through a police-installed security fence, tearing down sections of it. Some of these individuals, dressed in black and with their faces covered, carried the debris to a nearby park.
They chanted slogans such as “End the occupation now” and “The whole world is watching!” echoing the protests from the 1968 convention in Chicago.
The timing of the protest coincided with President Joe Biden’s walkthrough of the United Center, although he was scheduled to address the convention later in the evening. Protesters criticized Biden for his stance on the Gaza conflict, chanting “Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide” and targeting Vice President Kamala Harris with similar accusations.
Despite Biden’s departure from the presidential race and the Democratic Party’s quick endorsement of Harris, activists vowed to continue their campaign to push their message on U.S. support for Israel and advocate for Palestinian rights.
The protest, organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC, included various groups advocating for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and a cease-fire in Gaza.
There was a heavy police presence working to manage the situation and prevent escalation.
In response to the protests, pro-Israel supporters held a smaller, quieter presence nearby, though they experienced some tensions with the larger group.
The protests, focusing on issues like climate change, abortion rights, and racial equality, highlighted a strong demand for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.