Chicago Braces For Impact As Tens-Of-Thousands Of DNC Protesters Descend On City

Law enforcement and city officials in Chicago are constructing a sprawling makeshift barrier around the Democratic National Convention venue in anticipation of massive pro-Palestine protests.

Pro-Palestine protests have remained a constant across the United States since the October 7 attacks on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza. Protesters have held several national rallies in Washington D.C., at times breaching White House gates. Protesters have also clashed with Capitol Police on multiple occasions, including one instance where protesters attempted to gain access to the Democratic National Committee buildings.

Protesters have also consistently turned up at President Biden’s events and speeches. While “genocide Joe” has received a significant amount of flak from pro-Palestine protesters — who enjoy widespread support among the party’s progressive wing — Kamala Harris has not escaped their ire. Hecklers have also crashed Kamala Harris’ speaking events, where they have accused her of supporting genocide. She was most recently interrupted while speaking at a campaign event in Michigan, leading to a rebuke from a visibly annoyed Harris.

The demonstrations are expected to continue throughout this week’s Democratic National Convention, as thousands of activists are expected to descend on Chicago from around the country. The first protest is planned for Sunday evening, while demonstrations are expected  to continue throughout the week.

In addition to pro-Palestine demonstrators, DNC and Chicago leaders are bracing for protests from other left-wing groups, including some who believe the party does not go far enough on abortion.

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.”

Organizers are expecting upwards of 20,000 activists and students to participate in the demonstrations.

As a result, Chicago officials have been constructing a sprawling makeshift barrier outside the convention venue. The city has allowed protests less than one mile from the United Center after a federal judge axed plans to keep them farther away.

Coalition to March on the DNC spokesman Hatem Abudayyeh said the group is pleased it won the right to protest closer to the convention, though he still voiced concerns over safety and would prefer a longer route. The group will be bussing in protesters from at least two-dozen states.

“We’re going forward, full speed ahead,” he told the Associated Press.