Multiple pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested on Tuesday after clashes with police erupted during a protest outside the Israeli consulate, spilling onto surrounding streets during the second night of the Democratic National Convention.Tensions flared within minutes of the demonstrations start as some protesters, many dressed in black with covered faces, charged at a police line blocking their march. Despite pushing past the officers, the demonstrators were repeatedly contained by police in riot gear throughout the night, preventing them from dispersing.Arrests and Police TacticsThe majority of arrests occurred later in the evening when police corralled the remaining demonstrators in a plaza, blocking their exit. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling denied allegations that officers had used kettling, a tactic involving confining protesters to a small area, which is prohibited under a federal consent decree. Snelling, present at all major demonstrations during the convention, praised the police response, describing it as proportional. We have people who showed up here to commit acts of violence, Snelling stated late Tuesday, adding, They wanted chaos.🚨🇺🇸MULTIPLE ARRESTS AT PRO-PALESTINE PROTEST AS RIOT POLICE MOVE INRiot police have made multiple arrests at the Pro-Palestine protest, cornering and detaining leaders. Media have been asked to leave the scene.Source: @watchTENETnow pic.twitter.com/U7W0E2YcMu https://t.co/YJCCg3Q5n1— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 21, 2024When asked to specify the violent acts, Snelling mentioned that demonstrators had walked directly into police officers but declined to provide the total number of arrests, stating that final figures were not yet available.Protests Escalate at DNCEarlier in the evening, protesters set an American flag on fire as Vice President Kamala Harriss celebratory roll call took place inside the United Center, approximately two miles away. Other demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and wore black with covered faces. As the group approached a police line in front of a skyscraper housing the Israeli consulate, an officer ordered them to disperse. A woman leading the march responded, Were not scared of you, through a megaphone. A man, his face covered by a balaclava, urged the crowd to shut down the DNC.Continued UnrestThe protest atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the previous days peaceful pro-Palestinian march, which drew thousands, including families with strollers, near the convention site, calling for a ceasefire. Police kept the demonstrators confined to a block of Madison Street, halting traffic and deploying armed officers. The Israeli consulate, the focal point of numerous protests since the Gaza war began in October, was heavily guarded, with many entrances closed.Divergent Views on the ProtestsWhile some pro-Palestinian protesters, like Mohammed Ismail, criticized the police presence as excessive, others gathered earlier in the day to support Israel, urging U.S. leaders to continue backing the nation and advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Elan Carr, CEO of the Israeli-American Council, condemned the pro-Palestinian protests, labeling participants as fringe crazies and calling on U.S. leaders to unequivocally support Israel.Continued Demonstrations ExpectedMore protests are planned throughout the week, although attendance at Mondays main rally fell short of organizers expectations. Superintendent Snelling estimated the crowd at around 3,500, noting that most participants remained peaceful.
