August 21st 2024.
The second night of the Democratic National Convention in the US was marred by violent clashes between protesters and police, resulting in the arrest of at least 55 individuals. The situation was deemed to be a danger to the city of Chicago by Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.
Snelling addressed the media on Wednesday and explained that the arrests occurred outside the Israeli Consulate, which was about 3.2km away from the United Centre where the convention was being held. He stated that the individuals who were arrested had the intention of committing acts of violence and vandalism.
According to Snelling, the Chicago Police Department did everything in their power to de-escalate the situation. However, their efforts were met with resistance from the protesters, who appeared to be determined to engage in physical altercations. Snelling emphasized that there is only so much de-escalation that can be attempted before it becomes excessive repetition.
The clashes between pro-Palestinian protesters and officers began shortly after the demonstration began, with some protesters charging at a line of police who were blocking their march. Despite eventually being able to move past the officers, the protesters were repeatedly penned in by police in riot gear throughout the night.
Snelling asserted that the protesters had come with the intention of fighting with the police. He further clarified that the police were not the initiators of violence, but were merely responding to it. The superintendent revealed that between 55 and 60 people were arrested, and two officers sustained minor injuries while trying to control the situation.
Snelling also addressed the criticism regarding the police response, stating that their goal was to overwhelm those who had come to the city with the intent to destroy it. He emphasized that the response from the police was proportionate and that they were proud of the work being done by their officers.
The Israeli Consulate has been the site of numerous demonstrations since the war in Gaza began in October. However, the protests during the DNC have primarily focused on opposing the Israel-Hamas war. It should be noted that the group responsible for the protest on Tuesday night is not affiliated with the coalition of over 200 groups that have organized permitted rallies and marches during the convention.
Another rally, organized by the US Palestinian Community Network, is planned for Wednesday afternoon near the United Centre. The organizers of the demonstration have chosen the slogan "Make it great like '68" in reference to the anti-Vietnam War protests that occurred during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Snelling addressed the use of this slogan and urged everyone to focus on the present rather than the past. He also denied that the police had "kettled" the protesters, stating that this tactic is prohibited under a federal consent decree.
Aside from the protests, another incident occurred on Wednesday involving a man who had escaped from a Mississippi courthouse and was wanted on murder and armed robbery charges. The man was eventually taken into custody following a standoff with police, but there was no indication that he had any connection to the convention.
Snelling praised his officers for their handling of the situation, despite the challenges they faced. He also expressed his pride in the work being done by the men and women of the Chicago Police Department to keep the city safe during the convention.
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