Pro-Palestinian demonstrators planning large protests in Chicago at next week's Democratic National Convention are facing a legal setback. A federal judge ruled against a demand by the demonstrators for a larger protest route that would take them closer to Chicago's United Center arena, site of the Democratic convention from Aug. 19-22.
U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood, in her ruling Monday night ahead of a Tuesday afternoon hearing, stated that the protest route provided by the city adheres to the First Amendment of the Constitution while also addressing significant security and safety concerns. Chicago is designating two public parks and a 1.1-mile parade route outside the United Center's security zone for protesters.
The Coalition to March on the D.N.C., an umbrella group of organizations on the left helping to organize the planned protests, argued they need a larger route to accommodate the large crowds of demonstrators they are expecting next week. They expressed their rage and commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Organizers predicted that thousands of peaceful protesters from across the country will gather to condemn the situation in Gaza, funded and supported by the American government. While there may be scenes of dissent outside the security zone, the Democratic Party is expected to meet inside the United Center with prominent speakers like President Biden, former Presidents Obama and Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The convention comes after President Biden's decision to suspend his re-election bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris, who has seen a surge in fundraising, will address the convention alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The vice president and Walz have hit the campaign trail in key battleground states, drawing large crowds at every stop.
Despite the legal setback for the protesters, the Democratic National Convention in Chicago is expected to proceed with a focus on party unity and key speeches from prominent party figures.
