Pro-Palestinian Protesters Welcome DNC to Chicago

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters expected take over the streets of Chicago while the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is underway in town.

The principal group behind the organization is March on the DNC 2024. After Vice President Kamala Harris announced her presidential campaign, the group met for greater than an hour to strategize concerning the approach that was once directed at President Joe Biden, or “Genocide Joe,” as they like to call him, on Israel policy. “We all came to a consensus that this is not going to change anything; that (Harris) represents this administration,” said US Palestinian Community Network President Hatem Abudayyeh.

“We will operate at full speed.”

Banners “Killer Kamala” missiles fly as protesters storm the streets of the Windy City despite Harris’ push for tougher restrictions on the Israeli government, including an arms embargo. arms embargo is a variety of sanction used to force states and non-state actors to improve their behavior within the interests of peace and security, and Harris doesn’t support the move.

There are nearly half a dozen major protests planned for the DNC, but the biggest will happen on Aug. 19. Thousands are expected to march down the road from the United Center, where Harris and his vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are scheduled to deliver acceptance speeches. Billed as a “family-friendly march,” the demonstration was organized by a pro-Palestinian coalition of advocates from Michigan, New York, California and Indiana who’re fighting for quite a lot of causes and issues.

As Harris called for a ceasefire ahead of other blue leaders, some activists wondered whether a softer approach might make more sense. “There’s definitely been a change of tone and, for many people, a breath of fresh air,” said Linda Loew, an organizer with the coalition Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws. “But rhetoric and promises are simply not enough. We certainly welcome and welcome the support of any Democrats who say they stand for any of these issues, but we need to see action.”

Two protesters were already arrested on August 18. One woman, 23, was arrested for destruction of property and resisting arrest or obstructing a police officer. Another man, 28, faces similar obstruction charges and was arrested for criminal damage. With an estimated 50,000 people expected to attend the Chicago convention, including delegates, political opponents, journalists and others, local authorities have plans with the Secret Service for precautions.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said individuals who vandalize town or engage in violent protests will probably be arrested. “We’re going to make sure that First Amendment rights are protected and that people can do that in a safe way,” Johnson said.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, once considered for Harris’ vice presidential running mate, supports protests so long as they’re peaceful. “There are a lot of people in this room who will believe some of these messages and carry them with them,” Pritzker said.

“But importantly, the Democratic Party does not exclude people or prevent them from exercising their First Amendment rights.”