56 Arrested in Violent Clashes at Chicago Protests Outside Israeli Consulate

Fifty-six protesters were arrested after violent clashes with police outside the Israeli Consulate, near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on the second night of the convention. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling described the situation as “a danger to our city,” adding that the protesters “showed up with the intention of committing acts of violence, vandalism.”

The unrest began when some protesters charged at police, who were in riot gear. Despite efforts to de-escalate, the police response was forceful. Among the arrests, 30 were for disorderly conduct, one for felony resisting police, and nine faced misdemeanors. Two protesters were hospitalised with minor injuries, and two officers were injured but did not seek medical attention. Some protesters burned a US flag.

The protest was part of ongoing demonstrations related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Unlike a ‘largely peaceful’ protest on Monday, this event saw heightened tensions. Monday’s protest reported 13 arrests. 

Protester Mohammed Ismail, a 29-year-old psychiatry resident who lives in Chicago, criticised the police response as “excessive” and called on Democrats to stop funding Israel. Snelling defended it as appropriate and denied accusations of illegal tactics.

More protests are expected throughout the week, with police prepared to manage and de-escalate tensions.