Chicago mayor says it’s Democrats’ “prerogative” for anti-Israel protesters to bring their “grievances” to the DNC
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the Democratic Party “can handle” the anti-Israel protests that have descended on the city during the Democratic National Convention, adding that it is the party’s “prerogative” that protesters gather to “take their grievances to” Democratic leadership.
“We’re preparing for this,” Johnson told ABC correspondent Mars Raddatz on Sunday. “In fact, the city of Chicago has hosted more conventions, you know, than any other city in the history of our country, because we’re really good at this. But the most exciting thing right now is that this party can handle protests, protect First Amendment rights, which are the backbone of our democracy, and at the same time strengthen our democracy and talk about the future of our country. Unlike the Republican Party, which is painful to watch right now, I don’t know what’s more painful to watch than seeing Republicans breakdancing at the Olympics.”
Regarding safety concerns, in response to the Chicago Police Department cutting about 1,700 officers, Johnson said, “Local police worked with the Secret Service and other local agencies to ensure a safe and peaceful, yet vibrant and exciting convention,” and added, “The City of Chicago is rated number one for our convention centers and how we protect our people while still providing an opportunity to see our beauty and our soul.”
Asked if he expected there to be fewer anti-Israel protests now that President Biden has dropped out of the race, Johnson cited “high expectations” for Vice President Harris and “her efforts to make this country’s workers a priority.”
“She elected Governor Walz, who is a wonderful human being, a former social studies teacher, like me. Shout out to all of the public school teachers across America. So I’m really excited right now to see who, you know, will speak out and make their voices heard as individuals who want to make our government better. And that will happen,” Johnson said. “And, in fact, you know, we support the First Amendment and we have to make sure that individual rights are protected. It’s an honor to be able to bring their grievances to this room, to leadership, and for our party to address.”
His comments came following reports that more than 100,000 anti-Israel protesters are expected to gather in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention this week.
One of the organizers, Hatem Abdaye, president of the American Palestinian Community Network, was quoted as saying by The Washington Post that the protests “remain aimed at an end to genocide.”
“Our targets are the Democratic Party and its leadership, including ‘Killer Kamala,'” he reportedly added.
