(The Center Square) – Thousands of protesters frustrated with the war between Israel and Hamas gathered Monday outside the Democratic National Convention to call for a ceasefire.
The group March on the DNC 2024 got a permit for its rally at Union Park in Chicago, but it only had seven bathrooms. Before the noon rally began, the park was filled with people, and more than one hundred people were in line to use those bathrooms.
Patrick Madigan, who traveled from Cleveland to attend the protests, blamed city officials.
"They're trying to discourage us," he said.
Thousands of people carried signs ("Biden's Legacy = Genocide" among them), and many wore scarves and other items to show their support for Palestinians.
Nesreen Hasan, of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, said President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats were responsible for the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the death of tens of thousands of residents.
Frank Chapman, of the National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression, said all U.S. aid to Israel must end.
"We want Palestine to win," he told the cheering crowd.
Another speaker said that more work will need to be done regardless of who wins the White House in November.
Later in the afternoon, the crowd marched past the United Center, where President Joe Biden is expected to speak Monday night.
Smaller protests continued throughout the day around McCormick Place and the United Center. Among them was a group of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supporters who called for the independent to be allowed on the presidential debate stage.
U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement officials said Monday morning that they were prepared for protests and other potential security issues. U.S. Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Derek Mayer said the federal government has the full complement of resources available to provide a secure environment. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said police arrested one person for defacing property during a protest in downtown Chicago on Sunday.
Cindie Davis, who attended the rally at Union Park, said the backing from the people of Chicago was second to none.
"We have huge support from the people," she said.
Later Monday afternoon, Chicago's Emergency Management & Communications Department reported rolling street closures around Union Park due to the crowds.
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