CHICAGO − On Tuesday night, a large number of protesters were detained outside the Israeli consulate in Chicago while delegates at the Democratic National Convention nominated Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate just two miles away.

A representative from the National Lawyers Guild reported that at least 67 individuals, including two journalists, were arrested. The protesters, who were demanding an end to the war in Gaza, faced a significant police presence at the consulate located in Chicago’s striking Accenture Tower.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised his officers’ efforts, saying they worked hard to maintain safety and prevent any violent outbreaks. The protest was called by Behind Enemy Lines, a group known for its confrontational approach towards authorities.

As protesters drummed and shouted chants, one individual lit an American flag on fire in the street, only to be briefly interrupted by a passerby who attempted to take it back. The bystander expressed, “You guys are the enemy. Don’t burn the American flag.”

Some members of a white supremacist group made a short appearance at the consulate, as did Mike Lindell, the CEO of My Pillow, known for promoting election conspiracy theories. When questioned by a protester about how he could sleep at night, Lindell responded humorously, “What do you sleep on? Do you sleep on a My Pillow?”

At least six arrests were made directly in front of the consulate.

As night fell, a small counter-protest group supportive of Israel gathered at the edge of the demonstration to chant their own messages.

By 8 PM, the protesters had departed from the consulate and were moving down a side street, where police made several additional arrests while shouting, “Get out!”

Among those arrested was photographer Sinna Nasseri, who has contributed to publications like the New Yorker and New York magazine.

In the midst of officers and protesters one block away from the consulate, several police supervisors stepped in to facilitate arrests. A megaphone that marchers had been using dropped to the ground, and an officer picked it up and walked away with it.

“This was an unpermitted protest, and without knowing the route, we can’t ensure everyone’s safety,” explained Snelling regarding the event.

As officers escorted a group of detainees to a police van, some chanted “Free Palestine” in response to supporters standing nearby beyond the police line.

Currently, Chicago is seeing a multitude of protests opposing the Gaza conflict and the Biden administration’s backing of Israel during the convention.

Behind Enemy Lines is known for its more militant stance. This group openly supports aggressive protests that attract national attention. Their statement in advance of the protest read, “No more gathering in Chicago unchallenged by the butchers of Gaza, whether it’s Genocide Joe or Killer Kamala.”

They referenced the historically violent “Days of Rage” protests during the Democratic National Convention over 50 years ago, stating, “Make it great like ‘68!”

Contributing: Medora Lee, YSL News