CHICAGO (NewsNation) — The Democratic National Convention in Chicago is just one week away, and tensions are rising with major protests planned by pro-Palestinian groups.
The unrest, centered around the conflict in the Middle East, has deeply impacted Palestinian American communities, particularly in Chicago, which is home to the largest Palestinian population in the U.S.
With Harris leading the ticket, could protests be less intense?
Protest organizers vow to bring tens of thousands of people to the streets during the convention, regardless of Vice President Kamala Harris’ position as the new Democratic Party presidential nominee.
The community’s reaction to Harris has been mixed.
While she’s perceived as slightly more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause than President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race, many activists argue she hasn’t done nearly enough.
Despite her recent calls for increased aid to Gaza and a more nuanced approach to Israel, the protest organizers remain resolute.
What’s driving the demonstrations, and why are they expected to be so large?
Protesters are preparing for what they hope will be a demonstration on par with the protests that engulfed the 1968 DNC, viewing this as a critical moment to voice their demands on the national stage.
Their demands include an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza and the imposition of conditions on military aid to Israel — stances they believe Harris has not fully embraced.
The group March on the DNC 2024 plans to gather at Union Park during the convention, about a 10-minute walk from the convention’s site at the United Center. They want a larger route on the main streets to accommodate everyone.
Additionally, the group aims to highlight the suffering of the Palestinian people and call for an end to the war in Gaza regardless of the 2024 presidential election candidates.
DNC will have heightened security
Given the already contentious election cycle, including an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Chicago Police Department is under intense pressure to ensure adequate preparations.
The police have made it clear that they won’t tolerate any violence or vandalism at the DNC.
As the last national special security event in Chicago was the 2012 NATO Summit, the police department is using past experiences to guide its preparations for the convention.
More than 500 officers from other cities will assist the Chicago Police Department during the convention. They will be police trained in handling large-scale protests and First Amendment rights.
