Police confront pro-Palestinian activists after they breached the security fence during a demonstration outside the venue of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty Images)
OAN Staff Blake Wolf 1:56 PM – Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Additional security fences were installed outside of the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is being held, due to unruly Pro-Palestine protesters tearing down a security fence on Monday, resulting in at least 4 arrests.
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“They breached the fence. They got into the outer perimeter. They were trying to get into the inner perimeter, they were shaking the fence on the other side,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.
RIGHT NOW: Crews are adding fencing at Washington and Wolcott in the secure perimeter near the United Center where the DNC is being held. This comes after protesters breached the fence yesterday to get closer to the convention. Several were arrested. @cbschicago#DNC2024pic.twitter.com/LEupxhJl4R
The additional third row of fencing was erected early on Tuesday morning, following the prior day of protests and riots, which prompted Chicago police and U.S. Capitol Police to show up in riot gear in order to deter them from causing further damage.
“We had officers who had objects thrown at them,” Snelling added. “We had people who sprayed our officers with pepper spray. They stayed controlled, and they handled the situation.”
Those arrested are now being accused of aggravated battery of a peace officer, criminal trespassing, and disorderly conduct.
Protesters and rioters involved in the tearing down of the large security fence were seen chanting “Biden, Harris, you can’t hide, you’re funding a genocide!” They also held up signs that read, “End all U.S. Military aid to Israel.”
Additionally, Snelling made an effort to argue that the group engaged in the tearing down of the fencing were not a representation of the entirety of the protestors.
“You had people who just wanted to have their voices heard. They did that. But you had a portion of that group who decided that they were going to stand behind and try to breach the fence and get to the other side, and we cannot let that happen,” he continued.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden chimed in and discussed the ongoing riots and protests at the DNC.
“Those protestors out in the street, they have a point. A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides,” Biden said.
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