The Chicago Police Department reports that 13 individuals were arrested during a protest outside the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
Over 4,000 protesters, many of whom were protesting against the war in Gaza, gathered at Chicago’s Union Park on Monday and marched towards the United Center.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that at one point, a group of “agitators” broke away from the main demonstration and began dismantling a section of security fencing.
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As officers attempted to manage the situation, Snelling mentioned that they were targeted with pepper spray and water bottles. The police superintendent commended the officers for showing “great restraint” and regaining control of the situation. The charges that the protesters may face have not been specified.
The National Lawyers Guild of Chicago, which has offered legal representation to the arrested protesters, claimed that officers were “aggressive and, at times, violent.” Snelling refuted these allegations on Tuesday, asserting that the officers’ responses were appropriate.
“I am incredibly proud of their response,” he expressed.
Snelling further indicated that there is body-camera footage of the incidents, which did not result in major injuries on either side.
Law enforcement clarified that the breach did not pose a threat to convention attendees. Nevertheless, they emphasized that the area had been fortified in anticipation of additional planned protests.
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