Protesters break through police cordon near site of national convention congress of the Democratic Party on its opening day yesterday, when thousands took to the streets to express their disapproval of the war in Gaza, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
As the larger group marched, several dozen people who broke away tore down parts of the barricades. Some of the protesters, dressed in black and with their faces covered, dragged pieces of the fence back to the park near the United Center, where the convention is being held.
People in the crowd chanted "End the occupation now" and then "The whole world is watching!", just like the anti-Vietnam War protesters at the 1968 Chicago convention when police clashed with protesters were broadcast live on television. The police put on gas masks while some of the protesters tried to knock down a second fence placed in front of the police.
The march took place just as President Joe Biden, who has come under heavy criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, including marchers, walked through the nearly empty United Center. Biden was to address those present in the evening.
"Biden, you can't hide. We accuse you of genocide, chanted the participants of the procession to the sound of drums. They called him "Genocide Joe” and directed similar chants at Vice President Kamala Harris.
Protesters said their plans had not changed since Biden left the race, and the party quickly rallied behind Harris, who this week will receive the Democratic nomination for the presidential race.
Organizers had hoped that at least 20,000 people would take part in yesterday's rally and march, but at the start of the march only a few thousand people turned out, although city officials declined to give an estimate of the number of people.
About 40 supporters of Israel walked through the park during the rally. They remained mostly silent, waving Israeli flags, and were accompanied by about 20 police officers on bicycles. Although the tension rose at times, there were no physical clashes.