Tensions escalated near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday, leading to multiple arrests after protesters clashed with police. The confrontations intensified toward the end of the evening, with officers reportedly confining pro-Palestinian demonstrators in a plaza, according to The Associated Press.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling disputed claims that officers had “kettled” protesters, although he did not provide details on the number of arrests. Snelling accused some protesters of seeking to incite violence and chaos.
The National Lawyers Guild of Chicago reported that over 70 protesters were detained, with their attorneys present at the police station to assist those in custody. Behind Enemy Lines, a group involved in organizing the protest, indicated via Instagram that many arrests occurred outside the Israeli consulate.
NBC News noted that the protest, which began at 7 p.m. CDT, involved a standoff with police officers in riot gear, leading to clashes and several arrests. The Israeli consulate condemned the violence at the protest, expressing disappointment with the mayor’s handling of the situation and perceived lack of support for the pro-Israel community.
These demonstrations followed an incident the previous day where pro-Palestinian protesters breached the fencing around the convention’s perimeter. Despite initial fears of large-scale protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the demonstrations have been smaller and largely peaceful.
