A gigantic temporary barrier is being built by Chicago law enforcement and city officials surrounding the DNC venue in preparation of large-scale pro-Palestine rallies.
Pro-Palestine demonstrations have persisted nationwide in the US following the strikes on Israel on October 7 and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. Protesters have staged multiple nationwide gatherings in Washington, D.C., occasionally breaking through the White House gates. Additionally, there have been several instances of confrontations between protestors and Capitol Police, one of which involved an attempt by the demonstrators to enter the DNC buildings.
Additionally, protesters have regularly shown up to President Biden’s speeches and activities. Pro-Palestine demonstrators, who are well-liked by the party’s progressive wing, have taken a lot of fire at “genocide Joe,” but Kamala Harris has also drawn criticism from them. Hecklers have also interrupted Kamala Harris’s speeches, accusing her of being in favor of genocide. The last time she was interrupted during a speech at a Michigan campaign rally, Harris reprimanded her with obvious annoyance.
Thousands more activists are anticipated to travel to Chicago from throughout the nation for this week’s Democratic National Convention, which is expected to prolong the protests. Sunday night is set aside for the first protest, and protests are anticipated to last the entire week.
Leaders of the DNC and Chicago are preparing for protests from various left-wing groups, including some who feel the party does not go far enough on abortion, in addition to pro-Palestine activists.
In a statement to the Associated Press, organizer Linda Loew said even though Democrats have, “pushed to safeguard reproductive rights at home, the issue is international.” Protesters intend to march for access to “abortion care” across the world, while also calling on the U.S. to disengage from foreign wars in favor of redirecting funds to “reproductive care.”
“We believe that the billions of dollars that continue to flow to the state of Israel and the flow of weapons are having an inordinate and horrific impact, but in particular on women, children and the unborn,” she said. “All of these things are tied together.”
Up to 20,000 activists and students are anticipated to take part in the demonstrations, according to the organizers.
Chicago officials have been building a large temporary barrier outside the conference venue as a result. After a federal judge struck down plans to restrict demonstrations farther away, the city has permitted gatherings less than a mile from the United Center.
Spokesman for the Coalition to March on the DNC, Hatem Abudayyeh, expressed satisfaction that the group now has the ability to demonstrate nearer to the convention, but he raised worries about safety and suggested taking a longer path. Protesters will be bussed in from at least twenty states, according to the outfit.
“We’re going forward, full speed ahead,” he told the Associated Press.
