Protesters clash with police during first day of Chicago Democratic National Convention

This story is part of the IDS’ national convention coverage. Follow reporter Mia Hilkowitz on X and IDS social media for updates. 

CHICAGO — Several planned protests against the Israel-Hamas War kicked off Monday during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. While Chicago police arrested 13 people by the end of the night, the generally peaceful demonstrations have rebuked some fears of repeating the chaos and violence associated with the 1968 DNC in Chicago.  

Ten of the protesters were arrested Monday when a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters breached an outer security perimeter fence surrounding the United Center — where the event’s main programming takes place — leading to a clash with police. The Associated Press reported some protesters threw water bottles at and used pepper spray on the officers. The security breach prompted hours-long delays for delegates and

journalists attempting to enter the United Center ahead of President Joe Biden’s speech. 

Later Monday evening, thousands of Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Union Park, less than half a mile from the United Center, and set up tents, a practice that has become synonymous with Pro-Palestinian student protests this spring. The demonstrators played music, shared signs and discussed plans for other protests that week until around 6:45 p.m., when at least 100 Chicago police officers, including more than 50 police in riot gear, approached the gathering.  

A Chicago police officer at the encampment told reporters that the protesters’ permit to set up tents at the park — which is owned by the Chicago Park District — expired at 6 p.m. He said if protesters took down the tents “this all goes away.”  

“This is pure defiance,” the officer said, although protesters took down the tents shortly after police arrived. 

Officers held up two signs reading “You are being ordered to disperse by the Chicago police department,” and Indiana Daily Student reporters heard officers deliver two dispersal orders over a megaphone.  

For the next 90 minutes, the protesters took different approaches to the police presence. Some approached the line of riot police and began yelling and chanting “Quit your job and kill yourself” and “fuck 12.” Someone also played songs with anti-police sentiments, including N.W.A.’s “Fuck tha Police” and KRS-One's “Sound of da Police.”  

However, many demonstrators instead chose to take down the tents and attempted to peacefully talk with the police. One woman, who carried a Palestinian flag, told officers her fellow protesters were her “children” and ended up encouraging those surrounding her to go home to avoid any violence.  

Shortly before the park was set to close at dusk, another Chicago police officer told the IDS the police would issue another warning for people to leave the demonstration, or they would face arrest. Police had not made any arrests by 8:15 p.m., and it was unclear if any arrests occurred after this.  

— Mia Hilkowitz is a reporter and editor at the Indiana Daily Student. Contact her at mhilkowi@iu.edu.