CHICAGO ― As the Democratic National Convention kicked off, thousands of pro-Palestinian activists gathered in the streets of Chicago on Monday. The turnout was lower than anticipated, and the atmosphere remained mostly peaceful.

Late in the evening, a handful of protesters split from the main group and tore down parts of the initial security barriers around the United Center, where President Joe Biden was set to speak. Police intervened and cleared a nearby park of protesters soon after.

“Law enforcement officers were on-site quickly and managed the situation,” convention organizers stated. “There was never a breach of the inner perimeter, and no protectee was in danger.”

The march began just over an hour earlier, as demonstrators paraded down streets lined with schools and brownstone buildings, less than a mile from the convention venue. A police helicopter flew overhead while protesters chanted, “Free Palestine.”

The series of protests during the convention highlight a significant challenge facing the revitalized Democratic Party – the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the rising death toll, and Biden’s ongoing backing for Israel.

“We’re trying to help you, Kamala,” read a sign held by one demonstrator.

“We’ve made valuable progress. Many Black, Asian, Latino, and Native individuals are declaring that stopping the war and ending the genocide are our primary concerns,” stated Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, prior to the march. “This is a significant message that Democrats inside that venue must acknowledge.”

Chicago houses the largest Palestinian population in the U.S. Approximately 50,000 attendees are expected at the convention.

As the election approaches, division over Gaza could place pressure on Vice President Harris, especially in Michigan and potentially other regions. Activists aim to leverage this situation to urge her to take more decisive action for a cease-fire in Gaza or to halt arms sales to Israel.

Chicago activist Muhammad Sankari, 36, stated that the marches should convey a “very strong and clear message.”

“That’s what we want. All we have ever wanted is to end the genocide against our people. At present, the government only pays lip service,” Sankari remarked, criticizing what he described as Harris’s unwavering support for Israel.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling was among hundreds of officers monitoring the protest route. Given the recent memories of the riots following George Floyd’s death, Snelling has pledged to maintain order.

Monday’s demonstration was orderly, with orange-vested marshals keeping the protesters and police apart. A minor altercation along the route was quickly resolved.

Shirley Tung, 87, made the cross-country journey from Phoenix, Arizona, to protest against the destruction in Gaza. Unlike many participants, Tung expressed intention to vote for Harris, believing that the vice president could empathize with the Palestinian cause and bring an end to the conflict. “Biden can’t change because of his age,” she added.

As the calm prevailed on Monday morning, organizers distributed masks to protect against potential police pepper spray. In a brief but tense moment, over 30 pro-Israel supporters identified as “Christians and Jews for Israel” marched through the park, intercepted by a group waving Palestinian flags. Police and volunteers intervened to prevent any clashes.

The pain caused by the Gaza conflict was palpable among the marchers.

Tarek Kishawi recounted that he has lost over 40 family members since the conflict began. He expressed skepticism about any possibility of winning his support for Vice President Harris, stating, “She’s part of the current administration, so if she could have done anything, she would have,” Kishawi remarked.

Many attendees of the Monday protest had also taken part in student demonstrations earlier in the year. Victoria Hinkley, a University of South Florida student who was expelled during the first week of June, shared her experience.

At 22 years old, she expressed uncertainty regarding her future without a degree, yet maintained that her actions were justified. “It was absolutely worth it,” she stated. “I chose to be on the right side of history.”

Prepared for confrontation with Chicago police

Others anticipated possible clashes with law enforcement. Mohamed Mawri, a 39-year-old from Detroit, took precautions by wearing full biker pads, prepared for any violence. “I’ve been protesting for over 10 months and have witnessed considerable police brutality,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, other groups were rallying in Chicago as well. Supporters of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. began their march near Wintrust Stadium, aiming to sway Democrats and undecided voters in their favor.

Chicago officials mandated that larger protest groups obtain permits, designate specific marching routes, and control the duration of traffic disruptions. To address heightened security concerns, numerous streets and buildings were fortified with tall steel fences, concrete barriers, and even some parked snowplows.

The convention occurs amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and follows the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in addition to instances of mass-transit disruptions during the Paris Olympics. Vice President Kamala Harris is anticipated to formally accept the party’s nomination on Thursday.