ANTI-ISRAEL ACTIVISTS CLASH WITH POLICE NEAR DNC, OVER 70 ARRESTED

Chicago, USA - Tensions escalated as anti-Israel activists clashed with police near the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, resulting in over 70 arrests. The incident occurred just a few miles from where Vice President Kamala Harris was officially announced as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.

The confrontation began when protesters gathered outside the Israeli Consulate in Chicago on Tuesday evening to demonstrate against U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to the Chicago National Lawyers Guild, what started as a peaceful demonstration quickly turned into a confrontation when some protesters attempted to breach the police line. Physical altercations ensued, with some protesters throwing signs and confronting officers.

One of the groups identified as a key organizer of the protest, Behind Enemy Lines, is suspected to have ties to terrorist organizations. The group had promoted their plan to "Shut Down the DNC for Gaza" on social media, aiming to express opposition to what they perceive as pro-Israel U.S. policies.

In response to the arrests, Behind Enemy Lines claimed that their activists were "brutally arrested" by what they referred to as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s "thugs." The group accused the police of defending "genocidal criminals" within the DNC.

Independent journalist Andy Ngo shared footage showing activists burning the American flag and chanting "Free Palestine!" during the demonstration. Several other videos circulating on social media showed clashes between protesters and police, with activists shouting profanities through megaphones as arrests were made.

The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest expressed shock over the violence in a statement, calling the incident "anything but peaceful and completely contrary to the spirit of the DNC." The consulate emphasized that this vocal minority does not represent the majority of Americans who stand in strong support of Israel.

The consulate also criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for what they viewed as a failure to support the Jewish community in Chicago. Johnson had permitted anti-Israel activists to set up a stage and sound system to facilitate their protest during the DNC.

On the second day of the DNC, local authorities and the U.S. Secret Service investigated bomb threats at several hotels in the Near West Side area. The threats were later deemed non-credible after an extensive investigation.

Security in Chicago remains tight, with police focusing on ensuring the safety of all residents during the DNC. "We are grateful to all law enforcement officers working tirelessly to protect the city during this event," the Israeli Consulate’s statement concluded.