Tensions surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza spilled over to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, as protesters briefly breached the outer security fence of the event. The incident occurred hours before President Joe Biden delivered his speech, in which he addressed the conflict and emphasized his administration’s commitment to peace.
A group of approximately 100 demonstrators, part of a larger march involving thousands, broke through the metal barriers surrounding the United Center. Police in full gear quickly intervened, preventing the protesters from reaching the inner cordon. One protester, clad in black, was detained by officers.
The protests, which have been organized throughout the week, are a response to the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Israel’s actions against Hamas following the militant group’s deadly attacks on October 7th. Protesters chanted slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Let’s March” as they marched towards the convention center.
The Gaza war has become a major point of contention within the Democratic Party, potentially alienating Muslim and Arab-American voters, who have traditionally been a reliable voting bloc for the party. In his speech, Biden acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that “those protesters out in the street, they have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides” of the conflict.
While Biden did not directly address the security breach, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving the conflict. He highlighted their ongoing efforts to “bring peace and security to the Middle East,” including working to prevent a wider war, reunite hostages, provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, and ultimately achieve a ceasefire and end the war. The protests, however, serve as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the Democratic Party and the challenges facing the administration in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
