Anti-Israel protests are taking place on the streets of Chicago as the Democratic National Convention is held.
Anti-Israel groups have been increasingly critical of the Biden-Harris administration and its handling of the war in Gaza. In response, large groups of protesters have flooded the streets surrounding the convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Many of the protesters were dressed in black with their faces covered. After demonstrations began, they quickly clashed with Chicago police equipped with riot gear in anticipation of these protests at the convention. On Tuesday, the Chicago chapter of the National Lawyers Guild said at least 72 people had been arrested.
Late Tuesday, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters, “We have people who showed up here to commit acts of violence. They wanted chaos.” Snelling said that the demonstrators walked right into police officers. Videos of the protestors pushing through police lines were seen on X.
A video of a protestor carrying a Nazi flag was also seen on X.
Signs were carried that read “America first, not Israel”.
Other signs said, “Stand with Palestine. Genocide Joe’s Legacy: The Butcher of Gaza. End U.S. Aid to Israel.”
Video footage of Representative Ilhan Omar joining one of the protests and embracing an emotional protestor was also uploaded to X.
As the celebratory roll call for Harris’ nomination took place inside the convention, demonstrators set fire to an American flag about two miles away.
The protests continued into the fourth night of the convention on Wednesday.
