DNC protests: Arrests made at Pro-Palestinian rally outside Israeli Consulate
CHICAGO - At least four people were handcuffed as protesters rallied outside the building that houses the Israel Consulate on Tuesday, prompting confrontations with police.
The protest, which was led by pro-Palestinian groups, started at 7 p.m. at 500 W. Madison St. while the second night of the Democratic National Convention was underway. Around a hundred people showed up, chanting and marching along Madison Street. Officers in riot gear blocked the group in between Canal and Clinton streets.
Police eventually instructed the crowd to "move back, move back", however dozens resisted and began pushing and shoving.
The group, which is not the same coalition of over 200 groups that organized Monday's protests, advertised the demonstration Tuesday under the slogan of "Make it great like '68," invoking the anti-Vietnam War protests that seized the city during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Dozens of Chicago police officers were posted outside the building, where law enforcement had closed down most of the entrances to the building on Tuesday, allowing commuters to come in only one entrance where armed officers were also posted. Many of the building's shops were closed.
The crowd later swelled to roughly 250 pro-Palestinian protesters, roughly 50 pro-Israel supporters, hundreds of journalists and at least 1,000 police officers.
CPD Supt. Larry Snelling told FOX 32 the group finally dispersed around 9:15 p.m.
The consulate, located about 2 miles from the United Center, has been the site of numerous demonstrations since the war in Gaza began in October. It is in a building connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, a major commuter rail station.
Metra announced it would be closing its front entrance on Madison Avenue at 5 p.m. The transit agency is asking customers to use other entrances and exits.
The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest issued the following statement in response to the protest:
"We are appalled to see violence during the protest in front of our offices. This is anything but peaceful and completely contradictory to the spirit of the DNC. This vocal minority does not represent the vast bipartisan majority of Americans who stand strong in support of Israel.
It was incredibly heartwarming to see many Americans countering this hate in front of our office, echoing the strong bond between America and Israel.
We are beyond disappointed with the ongoing support the mayor has been giving to the anti-Israel protests in Chicago, particularly during the DNC, and his continued disregard for the large pro-Israel and Jewish community in the city.
Lastly, we are grateful to all the law enforcement officers who are out protecting the city during the DNC. We applaud their self-sacrifice and countless hours of work to ensure the safety of all Chicagoans."
Thirteen people were arrested during protests on the first day of the Democratic National Convention. Their charges range from criminal trespass and resisting and obstructing an arrest to aggravated battery of police officers, according to CPD Supt. Larry Snelling.
At least 10 of them were arrested in connection with breaching a fence on the security perimeter around the United Center, he said.
Israel supporters, including some relatives of people kidnapped by Hamas, gathered at a pro-Israel art installation not far from the consulate Tuesday to call on U.S. leaders to continue backing Israel and pushing for the release of hostages. The art installation included giant milk cartons bearing photos of some of the hostages.
Elan Carr, CEO of the Israeli-American Council, condemned the pro-Palestinian protesters who have descended on Chicago this week, calling them "fringe crazies" and demanding that U.S. leaders "stand unequivocally with the state of Israel."
Most of the largest demonstrations have been organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC, which has focused on calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. But smaller protests have popped up around the city, during the convention’s welcome party at Navy Pier.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.