Chicago, Illinois Far-left and Antifa protesters gathered outside the Israeli consulate to express continuing anger over the Biden-Harris administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. On social media, there were calls for Tuesday’s rally to “Make It Great Like ’68,” in reference to the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots in Chicago.
Protesters, wearing masks and dressed all in black, angered not only Democrats but also the Democratic National Convention, the organizers of this week’s protests, for being too peaceful on Monday. They argued that the peaceful march, backed by police, was a betrayal of the “Palestinian liberation” movement.
After a rally outside the Israeli consulate, the crowd of about 300 people began marching straight toward Chicago police lines, despite being allowed to march to either the left or right of the police. Mass fighting broke out as police tried to push back the Antifa marchers.
At least one Antifa member was hit in the mouth with a police baton, and multiple arrests were made after police caught protesters who refused to leave the scene.
After the clashes, protesters who initially escaped arrest formed formations and continued to engage in street standoffs with Chicago police, who now far outnumbered the small crowd. On the other side of the police line, several pro-Israel protesters gathered but left for their own safety at the request of police.
Eventually, Black Bloc protesters began walking through downtown, with police pursuing them to stay on the sidewalks. Protesters took to the streets and refused to disperse. Police then declared the remaining crowd an unlawful assembly and returned to the scene to arrest any remaining protesters who had not left after the declaration.
Behind Enemy Lines announced on its Instagram page Wednesday morning that some of those arrested are beginning to be released.
“We are appalled that violence occurred during a protest in front of our offices. This was far from peaceful and completely contrary to the spirit of the DNC. This vocal minority does not represent the bipartisan majority of Americans who stand strong in support of Israel,” the Israeli consulate said. Posts “We are extremely disappointed in the continued support the Mayor of Chicago has given to anti-Israel protests, particularly during the Democratic National Convention, and his continued disregard for the city’s large pro-Israel and Jewish communities,” the X account said.
While dozens of people were arrested, Behind Enemy Lines, the group that organized the chaotic protests, announced on its Instagram page on Wednesday morning that some of those arrested were starting to be released.
“Tonight, Brandon Johnson’s Chicago Police Department (CPD) rioted in defense of the Genocide Convention, Death and Coronation of the Nakba (DNC). While criminals orchestrating genocide were gathering within two miles, the Chicago Police Department launched a ferocious attack on free speech,” BEL alleged.
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