August 21st 2024.
The second night of the Democratic National Convention in the US turned chaotic as violent clashes between protesters and police erupted in Chicago. The situation was described by Police Superintendent Larry Snelling as "a danger to our city." According to Snelling, at least 55 protesters were arrested for their involvement in the clashes outside the Israeli Consulate, which was about 3.2km away from the United Centre where the Democrats were meeting. He stated that these individuals had come with the intention of causing destruction and engaging in acts of violence and vandalism.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Snelling expressed that the Chicago Police Department had done everything in their power to de-escalate the situation. However, he highlighted that there is only so much de-escalation that can be done before it becomes excessive repetition. The confrontations between pro-Palestinian protesters and officers were intense and began just minutes into the demonstration. Many of the protesters were dressed in black and had their faces covered as they charged at a line of police officers who had blocked their march. Although they eventually managed to move past the officers, they were continuously penned in throughout the night by riot police in full gear.
According to Snelling, the protesters had come to "fight with the police." He clarified that the police were not the initiators of the violence, but rather they were responding to it. As a result of the clashes, between 55 and 60 individuals were arrested, with two of them being taken to the hospital for minor injuries. Two officers were also injured, but they refused medical attention in order to stay with their fellow officers. Snelling also mentioned that three journalists were among those arrested, but he did not have any details on the charges.
Snelling emphasized that the events of the previous night were a threat to the safety of the city and its residents. He stated, "Last night was a danger to our city and a danger to our citizens in this city, our residents' property. And CPD has to protect that." The Israeli Consulate has been the site of several demonstrations since the start of the war in Gaza, and the protests during the DNC have mainly focused on opposing the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The group responsible for the protest on Tuesday night was not affiliated with the coalition of over 200 groups that have organized permitted rallies and marches. These include a rally on Monday and two more planned for Wednesday and Thursday. Another rally, organized by the US Palestinian Community Network, is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon near the United Centre. The organizers of Tuesday's protest had rallied participants under the slogan "Make it great like '68," referencing the anti-Vietnam War protests that took place during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Regarding the arrests that occurred at the end of the night, Snelling denied that the police had "kettled" the protesters, a tactic that involves confining people in a small area and is prohibited under a federal consent decree. Snelling, who has been present at all major demonstrations during the convention, commended his officers for their work. He mentioned that some female police officers were subjected to "vicious, nasty, sexually explicit" comments, but they stood their ground and did what they had to do. Snelling expressed his pride in the work of the men and women of the department in keeping the city safe.
Snelling dismissed criticism that the police response was excessive, stating that they had intended to "overwhelm" those who came to the city with the intention of destroying it. He clarified, "Now, overwhelming doesn't mean that we were excessive. The response was proportionate." The largest protest so far, which attracted about 3500 people on Monday, was mostly peaceful and resulted in 13 arrests, mainly for breaching security fencing. On Wednesday, a man who had escaped from a Mississippi courthouse and was wanted on murder and armed robbery charges was taken into custody after a standoff with police at a nearby restaurant. However, there was no evidence linking him to the convention.
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