Some demonstrators dismantle security barrier as numerous individuals rally outside Democratic National Convention's venue.
Crowds comprising families with infants in strollers, students, political figures, and protesters carrying banners and flags converged onto the path heading towards the United Center, hosting the convention, to advocate for a truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The main procession moved peacefully, although a faction separated and destroyed fragments of the security barrier.
Some defiant protesters were detained and handcuffed by law enforcement as they attempted to dismantle an additional barrier set up by authorities. Police donned gas masks in response to protesters aiming to demolish the second fence. Authorities confirmed that the inner security perimeter surrounding the convention site remained uncompromised, posing no harm to attendees.
Chicago's Police Superintendent, Larry Snelling, stated that some of the individuals who dismantled the barrier launched water bottles and other debris at police officers. The situation was managed without resorting to batons or chemicals, according to Snelling, who accompanied the peacekeepers on Monday.
Snelling asserted, "When individuals maneuver within a group with the intention of promoting acts of violence or vandalism, we will halt their activities. We will not condone any form of destruction in our city."
Among the crowd, participants echoed chants of "End the occupation now" and "The whole world is watching!" Echoing the anti-Vietnam War protests that took place during the illustrious 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, where law enforcement clashed with activists on live television, families observing from their porches or front doors. Some youngsters wore keffiyeh, blow bubbles, or waved "free fist bumps" signs.
The rally coincided with President Joe Biden's stroll through the almost deserted United Center, scheduled to deliver a speech in the evening.
"Biden, you cannot evade responsibility. We accuse you of genocide," the protesters chanted rhythmically, accompanied by percussion. They also denounced Biden as "Genocide Joe" and impugned Vice President Kamala Harris using similar phrases.
Protesters claimed their objectives were unchanged since Biden's withdrawal from the race and the swift endorsement of Harris. They anticipated amplifying their progressive message before the nation's top-ranking Democratic officials.
"People are perishing," said Cameron Benrud, a 25-year-old high school special education teacher from Minneapolis. He journeyed five hours to attend the rally at Union Park, urging Democratic officials to cease funding Israel.
"I hail from tiny Minnesota and feel utterly powerless. You must act," he avowed.
Mayor Brandon Johnson stated that preparations were meticulously implemented. "The city of Chicago excels at events like these," he remarked at a news conference. "We are ready."
Organizers hoped upwards of 20,000 individuals would participate in Monday's rally and march. However, only a few thousand protesters were present, and city officials withheld an approximate headcount.
Organizer Faayani Aboma Mijana expressed pride in the turnout, given the "intense suppression" from the city.
The Chicago area houses one of the most significant Palestinian communities across the United States, with buses transporting activists from various regions across the nation.
Taylor Cook, an organizer with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, had journeyed from Atlanta for the rally. Cook emphasized the group's objective of compelling all Democrats to denounce support for Israel, specifically focusing on Harris.
"We address vice president Harris, she has been complicit in this. Many believe it to be solely Joe Biden's responsibility, but she holds the position of vice president," Cook noted. "So we implore, cease your contribution if you need our approval."
Pro-Palestinian supporters amassed in the park, situated west of the Loop business district, for the rally prior to the march.
Independent presidential candidate Cornel West addressed the assembly, prompting enthusiastic applause.
Forty pro-Israel advocates roamed around the park during the rally, unfurling Israeli flags while maintaining a mostly silent demeanor, surrounded by about twenty police officers on bicycles. Although animosities occasionally flared, there were no physical confrontations.
Josh Weiner, co-founder of Chicago Jewish Alliance, who walked alongside the pro-Israel group, expressed their intent as "expressing our presence." Weiner cited the denial of permits by the city.
"The pro-Palestine protesters have acquired multiple permits, even a march permit, which appears to provide a slightly biased edge," Weiner pointed out.
Tensions between coalition activists and the city persisted regarding the protest location and arrangements. A judge sides with the city, blocking an approximately 1-mile march route argued to be an insufficient space for the anticipated masses.
Unexpectedly, no participants nor spectators emerged for the speaking stage offered by city officials close to the United Center, although eight groups were scheduled for 45-minute speaking slots this Monday. On other days, conservative groups, including the Illinois Policy Institute think tank, will disseminate speeches.
Afternoon, the Philadelphia-based Poor People's Army, champions of economic justice, set up in Humboldt Park before marching over 3 miles to the United Center.
The political discourse at the rally was profound, with protesters urging Democratic officials to take a stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. political figures present at the convention could not ignore the persistent calls for action.
The rally was a testament to the power of politics, as it brought together a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds, united by their shared concerns and demands.
