Chicago police announced on Thursday that they will maintain their current tactics and are prepared for a final night of pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the Democratic National Convention. On Wednesday evening, over 2,000 pro-Palestinian protesters peacefully marched past a park where pro-Israel demonstrators had gathered earlier. This protest followed a smaller unsanctioned demonstration outside the Israeli Consulate that resulted in 56 arrests due to violent clashes the day before.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling reported that Wednesday night’s protest concluded without any arrests or injuries. He commended the organizers for collaborating with law enforcement beforehand, citing the event as a model of how individuals can exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. Despite a few minor disturbances, Snelling noted that they were swiftly resolved.
The largest protest thus far, drawing approximately 3,500 participants on Monday, saw 13 arrests primarily for breaching security fencing. However, protesters were unable to breach the inner security perimeter at the United Center, where the convention is being held. Two individuals were arrested during a predominantly peaceful march on Sunday night.
The Coalition to March on the DNC, responsible for Monday’s demonstration, arranged for another permitted protest on Thursday. The event kicked off with a rally in a nearby park, followed by a march through surrounding streets.
