As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) unfolds in Chicago, the city has become a focal point for demonstrators voicing their concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Approximately one thousand protesters gathered on the eve of Vice President Kamala Harris's formal acceptance of her party's presidential nomination, calling for a more meaningful focus on the situation in Gaza and the loss of Palestinian civilian lives.
The demonstrators, chanting slogans such as "DNC, don't you lie. Because of you, our people die," formed a procession several blocks long. This scene has been characteristic of the rallies and demonstrations throughout the convention week, which began on August 20, 2024. Despite the large turnout, no major disruptions have occurred, marking a stark contrast to the chaotic events of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in the same city.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has been personally monitoring the largest rallies. He credits his officers with responding proportionately to the demonstrations, emphasizing that the city would not repeat the tumultuous scenes of 1968. "It's 2024," Snelling stated at a briefing, "And the Chicago Police Department proved that. So let's get off of 1968."
The protests primarily focus on the United States' handling of the conflict in Gaza, which escalated following Hamas's cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack marked a significant escalation in the long-standing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has been ongoing since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007.
Nazek Sankari, co-chair of the Chicago chapter of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, expressed the protesters' desire for their message to reach those gathering at the United Center, where the convention is being held. The United Center, typically home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, has been transformed into the epicenter of Democratic Party politics for the week.
"They can hear us and they know what's going on."
The city has seen a significant police presence in preparation for the convention. Officers have been deployed along the Chicago River, known for its unique tradition of being dyed green on St. Patrick's Day, and barriers have been erected around downtown areas and quieter neighborhoods.
The most notable confrontation occurred on August 20, 2024, during a rally outside the Israeli Consulate, which serves the Midwestern United States. Approximately five dozen people, including three journalists, were arrested when demonstrators marched into a police line. Superintendent Snelling stated that the arrests were made after officers were physically confronted, and the city plans to prosecute those involved.
Demonstrators have also come from Little Palestine, a southwest Chicago suburb with a significant Palestinian population. Nida Sahouri Ali, president of the local chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, mentioned that some businesses in the community closed to allow workers to participate in the protests.
While the majority of protesters focused on the Gaza conflict, a pro-Israel demonstration also took place nearby. Josh Weiner, co-founder of the nonprofit Chicago Jewish Alliance, urged attendees to speak out about the hostages in Gaza and the threat of radical Islam.
As the convention enters its final day, the city of Chicago, the third-largest in the United States, continues to balance the right to peaceful protest with maintaining public order. The events of this week have demonstrated the ongoing impact of international conflicts on domestic politics and the importance of free expression in the democratic process.