Chicago is bracing for large-scale protests as the Democratic National Convention approaches.
According to Semafor, organizers anticipate between 30,000 and 40,000 demonstrators to participate in a march on Monday, the opening day of the convention.
The March on the DNC coalition, comprising over 150 pro-Palestinian, anti-war, and left-wing organizations, has been planning this event for months. They are currently negotiating with city officials for a permit that would allow them to march closer to the convention venue, the United Center.
Faayani Aboma Mijana, a spokesperson for the March on the DNC coalition, expressed their determination to proceed with the march regardless of the permit situation. The group has secured a permit for Union Park, located half a mile from the arena, but they are pushing for a route that would bring them "within sight and sound" of the convention.
The coalition argues that their current permit, which keeps them away from the main convention district, infringes on their First Amendment right to protest. They describe their planned demonstration as a "family friendly" event aimed at peaceful expression of their views.
City officials have denied the coalition's requests for certain amenities at their permitted location. Mijana stated, "We've got our park permit, but the City has refused to allow us to use port-a-potties, a stage, and a sound system."
The primary focus of the protesters is to pressure the Biden administration on its Middle East policy. They are calling for a ceasefire and an end to military aid to Israel. This issue has been at the forefront of their planning, even as they organized a smaller protest at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month.
Hatem Abudayyeh, the executive director of the Arab American Action Network, emphasized the urgency of their demands in a statement to reporters. He said, "Biden and Harris have the power to stop it, and they haven't. The Democrats must end all U.S. aid to Israel immediately. It's illegal for the city attorneys to stop us from saying this."
While the March on the DNC coalition emphasizes peaceful protest, other groups have taken a more confrontational stance. The Behind Enemy Lines coalition has been conducting "Shut Down the DNC for Gaza" trainings and events. Their promotional materials have included provocative language, suggesting participants prepare for potential clashes with law enforcement.
The Behind Enemy Lines coalition's promotional material included the statement: "Make bruises from Chicago police batons the 2024 back to school Fall fashion!" This rhetoric contrasts sharply with the "family friendly" approach described by the March on the DNC coalition.
Chicago law enforcement is gearing up for the possibility of large-scale protests. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling addressed the media about the department's approach to handling the demonstrations. He emphasized that officer training is grounded in constitutional principles, particularly the First and Fourth Amendments.
Snelling made a clear distinction between protesting and rioting, stating:
Protesting and rioting are two different things. When people become comfortable committing acts of violence and vandalism, that's when it turns into a riot.
In conclusion, Chicago is preparing for massive protests during the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Organizers expect up to 40,000 demonstrators, focusing primarily on Middle East policy issues. While some groups emphasize peaceful protest, others hint at more confrontational tactics. Law enforcement is preparing to maintain order while respecting First Amendment rights. The city's handling of these protests will likely be closely watched across the nation.
