Despite escalating tensions in the wake of violent clashes between police and protesters outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the city’s police department has stated that they are not changing their tactics and are prepared for a final night of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
On Wednesday night, over 2,000 pro-Palestinian protesters peacefully marched past a park where pro-Israel demonstrators had gathered earlier, in contrast to the violent clashes and arrests that occurred at an unsanctioned protest outside the Israeli Consulate the day before. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling commended the organizers of the Wednesday protest for their collaboration with law enforcement, leading to a peaceful demonstration with no injuries or arrests.
The largest protest on Monday drew about 3,500 people and resulted in 13 arrests for breaching security fencing, but did not pose a significant threat to the convention at the United Center. Two additional arrests were made on Sunday during another mostly peaceful march.
The Coalition to March on the DNC planned a second permitted demonstration on Thursday, with a rally in a nearby park followed by a march through adjacent streets. Despite the ongoing demonstrations, the police department remains confident in their ability to maintain public safety and ensure that protests remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
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Photo credit www.centralmaine.com
