A wave of protesters marched through the heart of Chicago on Sunday, just one day before the city hosted the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The demonstration, organized by a coalition of feminist and LGBTQ+ groups known as Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, began on Wacker Drive near Michigan Avenue, initially focusing on advocating against unjust laws within the United States. However, the rally quickly transformed into a pro-Palestinian protest, with participants marching south along Michigan Avenue.
According to CBS News, approximately 200 individuals initially participated in the rally, which commenced at 5:30 pm local time. Protesters brandished signs and proudly displayed Pride and Palestinian flags. As the event unfolded, the crowd swelled to an estimated 500 people. To prevent any escalation, a sizable police contingent, exceeding the number of protesters, was deployed to the scene. Officers on bicycles ensured crowd control and the safety of all involved.
The protest featured a lineup of 13 speakers, addressing the crowd throughout the event. The coalition is also scheduled to hold another rally focused on the pro-Palestinian cause on the first night of the DNC.
Concerns about potential unrest and the protection of protesters’ First Amendment rights prompted comments from former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson. He highlighted the importance of de-escalation tactics, emphasizing that a heavy-handed approach could inadvertently incite conflict. He stated that authorities had been trained to handle “worst-case scenarios” and that officers would constantly monitor the situation to ensure a calm response.
Johnson’s successor, Superintendent Snelling, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that peaceful protests would be tolerated, but rioting would not be accepted.
The protests come as Chicago prepares to host the DNC, drawing parallels to the tumultuous 1968 convention. That event saw widespread rioting across the city as anti-Vietnam War activists took center stage. The Chicago police made over 600 arrests during those demonstrations. This year, authorities are acutely aware of the potential for unrest and are taking proactive measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for both protesters and attendees of the DNC.
