Tensions flared in Chicago on Tuesday night as a protest outside the Israeli Consulate turned violent, leading to the arrest of at least 55 individuals, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. The clashes occurred just two miles from the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was underway, and have raised concerns about the safety of the city during the high-profile event.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the consulate to voice their opposition to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The protest, which lacked official permits, quickly escalated when some members of the crowd, many dressed in black with their faces covered, attempted to breach a police line. The officers, equipped with riot gear and batons, responded by containing the protesters, but the situation devolved into a series of intense confrontations.
Superintendent Snelling, addressing the media on Wednesday, condemned the actions of the protesters, stating, "Those arrested showed up with the intention of committing acts of violence and vandalism. As the Chicago Police Department, we did everything we could to de-escalate that situation, but there's only so much de-escalation that can be attempted before it becomes excessive repetition."
The police presence was substantial, with hundreds of officers deployed to manage the demonstration. Despite the heavy police presence, the situation spiraled out of control as protesters continued to push against the officers, leading to their eventual containment in several locations throughout the night. Snelling made it clear that the police were not the instigators of the violence but were forced to respond to the aggressive actions of the demonstrators.
In total, between 55 and 60 people were arrested during the night, with charges ranging from vandalism to assault on police officers. Snelling also noted that two protesters were hospitalized with minor injuries, while two police officers were injured but declined medical treatment to remain with their colleagues. Among those arrested were three journalists, although details about the charges against them were not immediately available.
"This was a danger to our city and a danger to our citizens," Snelling emphasized. "Our responsibility is to protect the residents and their property, and last night's actions were necessary to maintain that safety."
The Israeli Consulate has been the focal point of numerous demonstrations since the war in Gaza began in October, but the intensity of Tuesday night's protest marked a significant escalation. The protest was not affiliated with the broader coalition of over 200 groups that have been organizing permitted rallies during the DNC. This group had invoked the spirit of the 1968 anti-Vietnam War protests in Chicago, rallying under the slogan "Make it great like '68."
Snelling dismissed comparisons to 1968, stating, "This is 2024, not 1968. The Chicago Police Department has learned from the past and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our city. We are here to prevent any destruction, not to repeat history."
The evening's arrests culminated in a final confrontation as police penned in protesters in a downtown plaza, a tactic known as "kettling." Snelling, however, denied the use of this tactic, which is banned under a federal consent decree, asserting that the police acted within legal bounds to control the crowd and prevent further violence.
Superintendent Snelling praised the restraint and professionalism of his officers, particularly noting that some female officers were subjected to "vicious, nasty, sexually explicit" comments but remained steadfast in their duties. "I could not be more proud of the work that the men and women of this department are doing right now to keep this city safe," he said.
Despite criticism from some quarters that the police response was excessive, Snelling stood by the department's actions. "We wanted to overwhelm them," he said. "Overwhelming does not mean excessive. It means a proportionate response to protect our city from those who wish to harm it."
