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.
That figure was reported by the National Lawyers Guild of Chicago, which said in a post on X that their attorneys were at the police station ready to meet with the more than 70 arrested while “protesting the Democratic National Convention in solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest released a statement applauding law enforcement’s response, saying: “We are appalled to see violence during the protest in front of our offices.”
“This is anything but peaceful and completely contradictory to the spirit of the DNC,” it said. “This vocal minority does not represent the vast bipartisan majority of Americans who stand strong in support of Israel.”
“It was incredibly heartwarming to see many Americans countering this hate in front of our office, echoing the strong bond between America and Israel,” the statement continued. “We are beyond disappointed with the ongoing support the Mayor has been giving to the anti-Israel protests in Chicago, particularly during the DNC, and his continued disregard for the large pro-Israel and Jewish community in the city.”
Anti-Israel protesters were observed shouting expletives at police officers and telling them to quit their jobs during the second night of the DNC in Chicago.
ANTI-ISRAEL DEMONSTRATORS BURN AMERICAN FLAG OUTSIDE CHICAGO CONSULATE ON 2ND NIGHT OF DNC
One demonstrator stood in front of a group of fellow demonstrators and shouted “F— you!” at the wall of Chicago police officers standing across from them outside a building that houses the Israeli consulate.
“You guys do not care about the city of Chicago, you do not care about the people standing behind me and you don’t care about the people of the city!” the protester shouted at the officers.
“F— every single one of you until you quit your job,” the protester added.
State Police stand guard against anti-Israel demonstrators by the Consulate General of Israel in Chicago, Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The protests are timed to coincide with the Democratic National Convention in the Windy City. (Fox News Digital)
Some demonstrators were holding Palestinian flags, while many wore black and had face coverings.
Police later warned the protesters that they would be taken into custody if they did not disperse from the area.
The protesters were subsequently heard chanting “Let us go!” as police marched towards them and detained several people.
Police were seen confiscating a megaphone and placing zip ties on at least five people.
One officer was seen pulling the jacket hood off of a protester’s head after he was detained.
Police detain an anti-Israel demonstrator by the Consulate General of Israel in Chicago, Tuesday, August 20, 2024. (Fox News Digital)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
During the demonstration on Tuesday, protesters also burned an American flag and chanted “Free Palestine.”
A large police presence remained hours after the demonstrations began.
This, as the celebratory roll call for Vice President Kamala Harris to officially be declared the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee was taking place inside the United Center about two miles away.
Israel supporters, including some relatives of people kidnapped by Hamas, gathered earlier in the day at a pro-Israel art installation not far from the consulate to urge U.S. leaders to continue supporting Israel and pushing for the release of hostages.
Fox News’ Bradford Betz and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
Source: www.foxnews.com