Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march on DNC

With national polls putting Kamala Harris in the lead for the presidency, many Democrats are gloating at the prospect of victory. However, many disgruntled Americans have decided to air their discontent with the party over its support for a foreign policy disaster that continues to worsen.

The opening day of the Democratic National Convention was met with thousands of mostly peaceful pro-Palestinian protestors relaying anger against the Biden administration’s support for Israel in its offensive in the Gaza Strip on August 19th, reported Reuters and agencies.

Following hours of demonstrations without trouble, dozens of protests tore through a perimeter security fence, attracting riot police to the site, according to a witness.

The DNC’s security team confirmed the breach near the convention area, adding that law enforcement personnel acted quickly to ensure there was no threat to attendees.

Four people were seen detained and handcuffed, according to Reuters witnesses. At a press conference, the Chicago police department confirmed that arrests had occurred but fell short of specifying the number taken into custody.

Protestors marched to a neighbourhood park on Chicago’s West Side, pausing to shout their grievances. Amongst the chanting, calls for a ceasefire and “Killer Kamala” could be heard as protestors voiced their frustration at the Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

READ: Ceasefire deal is ‘best’ and ‘last’ chance for peace says Blinken

Chicago police established a perimeter around the park to contain the protestors, with some mounting bikes.

The umbrella group “March on the DNC” drew fewer supporters than expected to the park outside the convention a couple of hours before President Joe Biden was to give his address.

Democratic delegates will nominate Harris and Vice Presidential pick Tim Walz to challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in the November presidential election.

Organisers like Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesman for the march on the DNC, had expected tens of thousands of demonstrators to attend, leaving the park filled. By afternoon, the park remained half full, with several thousand protestors gathering to hear speeches.

The march included over 200 groups advocating for a variety of causes, from reproductive rights to racial justice. Many of those in attendance came from Palestinian and Arab communities in Illinois and neighbouring states.

The Democratic party officials have been especially vigilant during the convention, fearing disruption to high-profile speeches from delegates unhappy with the government’s stance on Israel.

READ: Robert Bridge: Is it time for the US to rethink its NATO role?

One of the youngest Wisconsin delegates, 19-year-old Roman Fritz, wore a scarf imprinted with the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh pattern as a supporter of Harris.

One protestor, Mwalimu Sundiata Keita, travelled from Cincinnati, Ohio, to join the demonstration and, like many others, remained doubtful that the party would change its platform.

“It’ll never happen, […] It’s the policy of the party to support Israel, and until that policy changes, that’s the way it’s going to be,” she said.

Harris is due to formally accept the nomination on August 22nd, a day that is also expected to attract large crowds of protestors.

It’s the policy of the party to support Israel, and until that policy changes, that’s the way it’s going to be.”

Reuters and agencies