CHICAGO – More than 70 anti-Israel agitators were arrested during the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, amid violent clashes outside the Israeli consulate.
The figure was reported by the National Lawyers Guild of Chicago, which said in a post on X that its lawyers were at the police station ready to meet with the more than 70 people arrested while “protesting the Democratic National Convention in solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
The Consulate General of Israel in the Midwest issued a statement praising the response of law enforcement, saying: “We are appalled to see the violence at the protest outside our offices.”
“This is not peaceful at all and it is completely contrary to the spirit of the DNC,” he said. “This vocal minority does not represent the vast bipartisan majority of Americans who strongly support Israel.”
“It was incredibly heartwarming to see so many Americans standing up to this hatred outside our office, echoing the strong bond that exists between America and Israel,” the statement continued. “We are beyond disappointed by the Mayor’s continued support for anti-Israel protests in Chicago, particularly during the DNC, and his continued disregard for the city’s large pro-Israel and Jewish community.”
Anti-Israel protesters were seen shouting insults at police officers and demanding they leave their jobs during the second night of the DNC in Chicago.
ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS BURN AMERICAN FLAG OUTSIDE CHICAGO CONSULATE ON SECOND NIGHT OF DNC
One protester stood in front of a group of other protesters and shouted “Fuck you!” at the wall of Chicago police officers standing in front of them outside a building housing the Israeli consulate.
“You don’t care about the city of Chicago, you don’t care about the people behind me and you don’t care about the people of the city!” the protester shouted at the officers.
“Every single one of you should go fuck yourselves until you quit your jobs,” the protester added.
State police stand guard against anti-Israel protesters near the Consulate General of Israel in Chicago, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. The protests are timed to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in the Windy City. (Fox News Digital)
Some protesters waved Palestinian flags, while many wore black and had their faces covered.
Police then warned the protesters that they would be detained if they did not disperse.
The protesters were then heard chanting “Let us go!” as police marched towards them and arrested several people.
Police were seen confiscating a megaphone and placing zip ties on at least five people.
A police officer was seen removing the hood of a protester’s jacket after he was arrested.
JEWISH LOCALS URGE ISRAELI ACTIVISTS TO FLEE CHICAGO AHEAD OF DNC; SECURITY INVESTIGATED AHEAD OF POLITICAL RALLY
Police arrest an anti-Israel protester near the Consulate General of Israel in Chicago, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Fox News Digital)
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During Tuesday’s demonstration, protesters also burned an American flag and chanted “Free Palestine.”
A large police presence remained in place for several hours after the protests began.
This, as a celebratory call for the position of vice president Kamala Harris The official inauguration ceremony for the Democratic presidential nominee took place inside the United Center, about two miles away.
Supporters of Israel, including relatives of people kidnapped by Hamas, gathered earlier in the day outside a pro-Israel art installation near the consulate to urge U.S. leaders to continue supporting Israel and press for the release of the hostages.
Fox News’ Bradford Betz and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
