Dozens Arrested after Pro-Palestinian, Anti-DNC Protestors Clash with CPD Outside Israeli Consulate in Chicago
Protests Erupt in Downtown Chicago
Chicago’s central district was thrown into a state of mayhem on Tuesday night when protestors advocating for the Palestinian cause and against the Democratic National Convention (DNC) locked horns with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) outside the Israeli Consulate. The ensuing ruckus led to the detention of numerous protestors, three journalists included.
In the reports of the National Lawyers Guild in Chicago, they mentioned that the law enforcement officers detained about 72 individuals. However, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling counted the figure to be 56. As reports came in the following morning, it was established that the detainees had failed to acquiesce with multiple commands to disperse.
Detailing Detentions and Citations
As per the records of the Chicago police, disorderly conduct – breach of peace, has been leveled as a charge against 30 individuals. Another 13 have been charged with disorderly conduct – failing to obey a lawful order to disperse. One person has been cited for disorderly conduct – failing to obey police, and another three cited for resisting police. Besides the above, nine other protestors have been charged with misdemeanors.
Looking into the geographical distribution, it was found that many of the detainees were residents of regions outside of the city, several of them hailing from the west coast. The detainees were escorted to Area 3 headquarters, where the process of releasing the arrested party was done in batches.
Disturbing Scene Unfolds
What began as an unruly, unsanctioned protest spiraled into a chaotic stand-off as close to 200 protestors attempted to break through a bicycle barricade assembled by the police. At this point, the Chicago police were equipped with riot protective gear including face shields and batons, which they used to contain the crowd effectively.
Despite several efforts made by protestors to engage with the police, they were deflected and ushered through the downtown area. The clash turned particularly brutal when a fire was lit in downtown Chicago, adding to the already tense atmosphere.
Invoking the Cause
A protestor, who was one among those arrested, voiced concerns over the USA’s current handling of the Gaza war, urging the leaders at the DNC to give due attention to their beliefs. Their collective demand was an end to the genocide, irrespective of who is leading the charge.
Officials Speak Out
Superintendent Snelling, in a heated press conference, asserted that the Chicago officers had been physically assaulted. He reiterated how the police force were not the initiators of violence. Chicago Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood condemned the protests, labeling them as dangers to the city and its residents. He described the involved protestors as individuals single-mindedly aiming to sore upheaval, thoroughly distinguishing them from other peaceful protestors.
Looking Ahead
In the middle of all this chaos, several legal representatives have stepped forth to support the detainees. The officials have not yet released the exact count of protestors who remain in custody.
