August 21st 2024.
In Chicago, the second night of the Democratic National Convention was marred by some violent clashes between protesters and the police, resulting in at least 55 arrests. The situation was so tense that the police chief, Larry Snelling, described it as a danger to the city.
According to Snelling, the clashes started outside the Israeli Consulate, which was about 3.2km away from the United Centre where the Democrats were meeting. He stated that the protesters had come with the intention of causing violence and vandalism. Despite the efforts of the Chicago Police Department to de-escalate the situation, the confrontations between the pro-Palestinian protesters and the officers kept intensifying.
The tensions between the two parties peaked when the protesters, many of whom were dressed in black with their faces covered, charged at a line of police officers who had blocked their march. Although they managed to move past the officers, they were stopped and contained by the police in riot gear multiple times throughout the night.
Snelling clarified that the protesters had come to fight with the police. He also emphasized that the police were not the initiators of violence, but they had to respond to it in order to maintain peace and protect the city and its residents.
The clashes resulted in the arrest of 55 to 60 people, including three journalists. Two officers were also injured, but they refused medical attention to stay with their fellow officers. Snelling mentioned that two protesters were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The Israeli Consulate has been the site of several demonstrations since the start of the war in Gaza in October. And during the DNC, most of the protests have been focused on opposing the Israel-Hamas war. However, the group responsible for the violence on Tuesday night was not affiliated with the coalition of over 200 groups that have organized permitted rallies and marches.
Another protest, organized by the US Palestinian Community Network, is planned for Wednesday afternoon near the United Centre. The demonstrators have adopted the slogan "Make it great like '68," in reference to the anti-Vietnam War protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Regarding the criticism of the police response, Snelling defended his officers and their actions. He stated that some female police officers were subjected to vulgar and sexually explicit comments but they remained composed and did their job. Snelling also clarified that the police had not "kettled" the protesters, a tactic that is banned under a federal consent decree.
Despite the tense situation, Snelling expressed his pride in the work of his officers and their efforts to keep the city safe. He also rejected claims that the police response was excessive, stating that they wanted to overwhelm the protesters who had come to destroy the city. He emphasized that their response was proportionate and necessary.
The largest protest during the convention, which took place on Monday and attracted about 3500 people, was mostly peaceful with only 13 arrests. However, there were two arrests on Sunday night during another peaceful march.
In an unrelated incident, a man who had escaped from a Mississippi courthouse and was wanted for murder and armed robbery was taken into custody after a standoff with the police at a restaurant near the United Centre. There was no indication that he had any connection to the convention.
In conclusion, the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marked by violent clashes between protesters and the police. While the situation was tense and dangerous, the police were praised for their efforts to maintain peace and protect the city, its residents, and their property.
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