Video: Pro Palestine protesters breach security fence at Democratic National Convention, criticise Kamala Harris, many arrested

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched in Chicago and later broke through a portion of the perimeter security fence near the arena on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention, in a show of force against US President Joe Biden-led administration’s support for Israel amid the Gaza war.

The protest, which was largely peaceful, witnessed riot police on the site near the convention arena after demonstrators broke through part of the perimeter security fence surrounding the United Center where Biden was scheduled to speak. The DNC’s security team confirmed the breach, but added that law enforcement personnel acted quickly and at no point was there any threat to the attendees, news agency Reuters reported.

Several people were arrested as a result of the incident, and police later moved to clear a park near the convention site, USA Today reported. Some personnel formed a perimeter around the park on foot to contain the protesters, while others were on bikes.

During the amplified protest at the park on Chicago’s West Side, the protesters called for a ceasefire and focused their frustration towards Vice President Kamala Harris, referring to the Democratic presidential candidate as ‘Killer Kamala’.

Chicago is home to the US’s biggest Palestinian community, USA Today reported, and an estimated 50,000 people are attending the convention.

The DNC organisers had expected tens of thousands of protesters, enough to fill the park and the march route, spokesman for ‘March on the DNC’ Hatem Abudayyeh said early Monday. However, by afternoon, many thousand protesters had gathered for speeches and the park was only half full.

The coalition of over 200 groups includes those advocating for a variety of causes, from reproductive rights to racial justice. Several people were expected from Palestinian and Arab communities in Illinois and neighbouring states.

The four-day Democratic National Convention started Monday and is scheduled to end on Thursday. Kamala Harris is due to formally accept the presidential nomination on the final day, when another large protest was scheduled, news agency Reuters reported.