August 21st 2024.
The city of Chicago was shaken by violent clashes between protesters and police on the second night of the Democratic National Convention in the United States. A staggering 55 individuals were arrested, prompting the police chief to label the situation as "a danger to our city." Superintendent Larry Snelling of the Chicago Police Department addressed the media on Wednesday and shed light on the events that unfolded outside the Israeli Consulate, which is roughly 3.2km away from the United Centre where the Democratic delegates were gathering. He stated that the arrested individuals had come with the intention of causing chaos and destruction through acts of violence and vandalism.
During the news conference, Snelling emphasized that the police did everything in their power to de-escalate the situation, but there comes a point where their efforts become repetitive and ineffective. He also highlighted the fact that the clashes began only a few minutes into the protest when a group of protesters, dressed in black and with their faces covered, charged towards a line of police officers who were trying to block their march. The protesters managed to push past the officers, but they were repeatedly cornered throughout the night by riot police, who did not allow them to disperse.
According to Snelling, the protesters had come with the intention to confront and fight with the police. He clarified that the police were not the instigators of violence, but they were forced to respond to it. The clashes resulted in the arrest of 55-60 individuals, while two officers and three journalists were also injured. However, the injured officers refused medical attention to stay with their fellow law enforcement colleagues. Snelling also mentioned that the protesters were not part of the coalition of over 200 groups who had organized permitted rallies and marches during the convention.
The Israeli Consulate has been a focal point of numerous demonstrations since the start of the Gaza war in October. The protests during the DNC have mainly centered around opposing the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the group behind Tuesday night's protest was not affiliated with the coalition of organized groups. 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 urged demonstrators to make it "great like '68," referring to the anti-Vietnam War protests that erupted during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Snelling dismissed any comparisons to the events of '68, stating that it was now 2024 and the Chicago Police Department had proven that they were capable of handling such situations. He also addressed the criticism regarding the police response, denying that they had "kettled" protesters, a tactic that is prohibited under a federal consent decree. Snelling, who has been present at all major demonstrations during the convention, commended the efforts of his officers, especially the female officers who faced inappropriate and offensive comments but stood their ground.
He expressed his pride in the work of the men and women of the department in keeping the city safe. Snelling also rejected the notion that the police response was excessive, stating that it was necessary to overwhelm those who came to the city to cause harm and destruction. He clarified that their response was proportionate and not excessive. The largest protest during the convention, which saw approximately 3500 participants on Monday, was mostly peaceful, resulting in 13 arrests. On Wednesday, a man wanted for murder and armed robbery was taken into custody by the police after a standoff at a nearby restaurant. There was no indication that he had any connection to the convention.
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