Chicago, Illinois – “Just like in 1968, there is nothing to celebrate.” This statement comes from Palestinian rights activists who see many similarities between the current Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago and the previous gathering in 1968, which was marked by violent suppression of anti-Vietnam War protests. On Tuesday, the third day of the convention, thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest the unconditional support the United States provides to Israel.
The demonstration took place outside the United Center, where delegates and supporters of the Democratic Party convened to celebrate the official nomination of Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate. Protests have become a constant presence at the convention, with activists chanting, “DNC, your hands are bloody, over 40,000 dead,” while waving Palestinian flags.
Police formed a moving line of bicycles along the road to keep demonstrators on the designated route. Each time the protest approached the convention center, hundreds of police officers formed a barrier to block access to the security perimeter around the venue. A police helicopter hovered over the protest at all times.
Jinan Chehade, one of the activists behind the protests, shared her perspective: “Today’s protest has been the largest under the 2024 convention. The turnout is amazing and reflects our call for justice and the strength of the Palestinian movement in Chicago.” Demonstrators expressed both anger and sorrow over the conflict in Gaza, where more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the past year by Israeli military actions. Despite the intense emotional atmosphere, the demonstrations remained peaceful, though Al Jazeera reported that police violently arrested two young women at a transit station.
As the protests moved towards Damen Transit Station, several journalists and demonstrators seized the opportunity to take aerial photos of the large crowd. Police reminded people that photography was prohibited at the station, but most ignored this order. Two women wearing hijabs were singled out by the police, and after a brief exchange, they were subdued and handcuffed. Protesters gathered around the police, chanting, “Let them go.” Additional officers arrived to escort the arrested women and officers out of the station. The police have not commented on why the two women were arrested among the many taking photos.
Further protests are planned for Thursday, when the convention culminates with Harris’ acceptance of the Democratic nomination. Chicago is home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the United States. Lizette Garza, a social justice activist, stated that people from various backgrounds in the city “grieve” for the atrocities occurring in Gaza. “It is really important for Chicago, especially as a liberal city, to show resistance against war when our families and communities are suffering so much,” Garza said.