Second layer of security fencing added outside United Center for Day 2 of DNC
CHICAGO — Day One of the Democratic National Convention was marked by protests, both inside and outside of the United Center.
Crews have been reinforcing the perimeter around the area in preparation for the second day of the convention. They have added a second layer of fencing, concrete barriers and brackets to ensure the fences remain secure and cannot be easily dismantled.
These measures were implemented after protestors breached a security fence Monday afternoon near Wolcott Avenue and Washington Street.
On Tuesday, city officials said 13 people were arrested at that incident.
More: Illinois to take center stage at Day 2 of DNC
Before that, the demonstrations began peacefully at Union Park, where more than 200 organizations from across the country united to make their voices heard.
They addressed issues like reproductive rights, racial equality, immigration and poverty.
But the primary focus of the protests was advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Protestors break through portion of security barrier on first night of DNC
But as the crowd marched and reached Park #578, roughly a block from the United Center, a group of protestors split-off. Some of them managed to break through a section of the outer perimeter security fencing.
Soon after, Chicago police, equipped in riot gear, intervened and arrested those who had gotten through.
Chicago police reported two of its officers were hurt by protestors who breached security and assaulted them.
Demonstrators claimed their intent in getting close was to ensure their message was heard clearly by Democratic leaders inside the convention hall.
Inside the United Center, some protesting delegates displayed a banner that said “Stop Arming Israel” during President Joe Biden’s speech Monday night.
They were escorted out, but a Jewish delegate from Michigan explained that his actions were motivated by a desire to end the war in Gaza.
More demonstrations are set to take place throughout the week, including a pro-Palestinian protest that will be held outside the Israeli Consulate on Tuesday night.
Metra announced that it would be closing the entrance to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, from Accenture Tower at 500 West Madison Street, on Tuesday evening due to the planned protest.
The protest is scheduled to take place at the Israeli Consulate, which is located in Accenture Tower, at 7 p.m.
The group behind the protest, Behind Enemy Lines, shared a post on Instagram on July 18, which detailed the specifics of the protest and read “Make it great like ’68! Shut down the DNC for Gaza!”
Metra officials said Union Pacific commuters looking to board trains are advised to enter through the French Market doors one block north on Clinton Street.
After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Day 3 Recap:
Walz accepts Democratic nomination for vice president: ‘It’s the honor of my life’
Police and FBI investigate maggot incident at DNC breakfast in Chicago
Residents in shadow of United Center tire of DNC disruptions
Illinois student journalists get firsthand experience at the DNC
‘Blue Carpet:’ DNC delegates make fashion statements to stand out in the crowd
Crowds of pro-Palestinian protesters rally, march outside Democratic convention’s 3rd night
Photos: Celebs spotted at the DNC
The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.
WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city.
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