Chaotic scenes unfolded in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood on Wednesday as anti-Israel protesters clashed with police in an attempt to disrupt a Democratic fundraiser for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.
The violence and unrest came less than a week before Chicago hosts the Democratic National Convention, where anti-Israel protesters have warned of causing chaos at the convention due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Attending the fundraiser for Harris were Mayor Eric Adams, several city council members and delegates to the Democratic National Convention, though Harris did not attend.
“We’re not going to allow people to come here and destroy this city.”
The protest was organised by the far-left group Within Our Lifetime, which called on its supporters to “sound the alarm for Gaza” and to bring drums, sirens, rape whistles, horns and other noise makers.
Protesters were passionate but peaceful during the fundraiser, but things got out of hand when the crowd became violent. Followed participants Protesters then stormed into nearby bars and restaurants, harassing them. After protesters entered businesses, the New York City Police Department was called in to disperse the crowds, who began arguing with protesters who had gained access to the bars.
Police made several arrests as protesters set off smoke bombs and fled.
Within Our Lifetime released a statement after the event accusing police of attacking their band members.
“The Democrats want you to believe they support us. They’re just waiting for you to look the other way before they oppress our movement and continue the genocide in Palestine,” WOL said.
Fears are growing that a similar scene could play out on a much larger scale next week near Chicago’s United Center. As The Blaze News previously reported, more than 20,000 people are expected to attend the official Democratic National Convention march, and leaders of four Muslim groups have said they expect up to 100,000 protesters.
Chicago Police Commissioner Larry Snelling made it clear that his department would not tolerate any violence: “We’re not going to allow people to come here and destroy our city.”
“We will not tolerate rioting. There is a difference between a protest and a riot,” Snelling continued. “The moment a riot starts, we will intervene. I am not going to wait until the riot is over. [it’s] It gets out of control and then you try to bring it back.”
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