Pro-Palestine protesters tear down fence at Democratic convention center as thousands take to Chicago streets

Protesters have broken through a fence set up by police at the site of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on its opening day in Chicago as thousands took to the streets to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza.

Footage posted online showed a few dozen people breaking away from a larger march, and taking down pieces of the erected security fence. Police later confirmed that multiple people had been arrested.

Theprotests happened on Monday, ahead of an address by President Joe Biden, who has previously been the target of intense criticism from pro-Palestinian groups.

“Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide,” the marchers chanted amid the beating of drums. They also referred to him as “Genocide Joe” and lodged similar chants at Vice President Kamala Harris.

Protesters said their plans have not changed since Biden left the race and the party quickly rallied behind Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week, closing the convention with remarks on Thursday.

Activists said they were ready to amplify their progressive message before the nation’s top Democratic leaders.

“We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine,” said Hatem Abudayyeh,spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC, which includes hundreds of organizations.

The heavy police presence at the march included Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, who walked in a group of officers ahead of the protesters on Monday.

Snelling later told reporters that the force would “not tolerate” those commiting acts of violence. “They breached the fence, they were trying to get to the inner perimeter, officers responded swiftly to make sure that