The streets surrounding Chicago’s United Centre, where the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was taking place, saw a surge of pro-Palestinian protests unfolding in the final hours of the event. Despite the heavy presence of police, the protests remained largely peaceful, with a family-friendly atmosphere prevailing. Thousands of protesters, proudly waving Palestinian flags, marched through surrounding residential areas, chanting slogans demanding freedom and equality for the Palestinian people. The protests were organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC, a collective of over 200 organizations that had also held a similar event on Monday night.
As protesters marched, a speaker system played lively Palestinian dance songs, setting a festive tone. However, the event was not without disruptions. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, attempted to engage with the protesters, but his attempts were met with hostility after he identified himself as a supporter of Israel. Protesters, recognizing his stance, chased him away, chanting “racists go home.”
The protesters’ demands were straightforward: they wanted the Democratic Party to take concrete steps to end the war in Gaza and recognize the rights of the Palestinian people. Despite a few dozen protesters lingering late into the night near Union Park, the overall atmosphere remained peaceful, with only one brief clash with police who were blocking their path to the convention centre.
Protesters Unite for Freedom and Equality in Palestine (Image via Getty)
The protests were a response to the lack of Palestinian voices represented at the DNC. Leaders of the “Uncommitted” movement, which had gained significant traction in Democratic primaries, expressed frustration when negotiations to secure a speaking slot for a Palestinian American at the convention stalled. The movement had garnered hundreds of thousands of votes in protest of the Israel-Hamas war.
Earlier in the week, pro-Palestinian protesters had peacefully marched past a park where pro-Israel demonstrators had gathered, while a smaller, unsanctioned protest outside the Israeli Consulate in downtown Chicago resulted in violent clashes and 56 arrests. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised the organizers of the peaceful protest, stating that it was an exemplary display of how people can exercise their First Amendment rights while collaborating with law enforcement.
In the end, the largest protest, which drew around 3,500 people on Monday, was largely peaceful, resulting in 13 arrests related to the breach of security fencing. Two people were arrested on Sunday night during another mostly peaceful march. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the protesters remained resolute in their demands for justice, equality, and freedom for the Palestinian people. As one protester passionately stated, “DNC, you will see. Palestine will be free.”
