On Monday, protesters against Israel’s actions in Gaza briefly breached the outer security fence at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, just hours before President Joe Biden handed over the nomination to Kamala Harris.
Though Biden, 81, did not specifically address the security incident in his speech, he acknowledged the protesters’ concerns, stating, “They have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides,” referring to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Around 100 demonstrators split from a larger crowd of thousands to target the metal barriers around the United Center on the first day of the Democratic Party’s event. Police, equipped with helmets, shields, and batons, contained the situation, preventing protesters from reaching the inner perimeter. AFP reporters observed several officers carrying away a protester in black.
Protesters have planned more demonstrations throughout the week to challenge the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict that began with Hamas’s attacks on October 7.
Chicago police confirmed that while protesters breached a section of the outer fencing, law enforcement quickly managed the situation and ensured no threat to those inside. Officers later moved to disperse demonstrators from a nearby park.
The Gaza conflict has sharply divided the Democratic Party ahead of the November 5 election, risking alienation of Muslim and Arab-American voters, a key demographic in swing states.
In his speech, Biden emphasized his administration’s commitment to “bringing peace and security to the Middle East,” mentioning efforts to prevent a broader war, reunite hostages, provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, and ultimately achieve a ceasefire.
