Protests Urge Ceasefire in Gaza at DNC

Thousands of protesters gathered in Chicago's Union Park to demand a ceasefire in Gaza as part of the Coalition to March on the Democratic National Convention. Many attendees expressed dissatisfaction with both major political parties and highlighted the need for their voices to be heard in the upcoming 2024 elections. The Democratic National Convention continued with a focus on bipartisanship, featuring speeches from both Democrats and former Trump allies who criticized his policies. While organizers anticipated a massive turnout, reports from the event suggested only about 15,000 participants, contrasting with earlier expectations of 30,000 to 50,000. This gathering, reminiscent of past protests, revealed a younger demographic advocating for a more radical approach to social justice and foreign policy. The Chicago Police Department faced scrutiny for initially denying permits for essential facilities at the protest site, which they later reversed after realizing the practical implications for attendees.