Chicago Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson lashed out at Republicans on Monday as far-Left protesters disrupted the Democratic National Convention, tearing down portions of the fencing around the perimeter of the convention center.
When asked about the breach caused by pro-Palestinian protesters through the DNC perimeter outside the United Center, Johnson told the Washington Examiner there was no security failure and instead went after Republicans.
“Protecting the First Amendment right. That’s what we’ve done. We’ve done that,” he said. “Here’s what the failure is: an extreme Republican Party that doesn’t believe in democracy, an extreme Republican Party that attacked this country, an extreme Republican Party with Gov. Abbott attacking the city of Chicago.”
Johnson was seeming to reference the large number of illegal immigrants who have been bussed into Chicago by Texas.
“That’s what’s extreme,” Johnson added. “That’s what the failure is, but what you’re experiencing right now, you’re experiencing the hopes and aspirations of the people of this country.”
Many of the protesters flew Palestinian flags and wore keffiyehs as they attempted to breach the fences.
Chicago Police said Monday night that the situation was contained and that attendees security was never jeopardized.
“Demonstrators breached a portion of anti-scale fencing along the National Convention’s outer perimeter near the United Center on August 19. Law enforcement personnel were immediately on-scene and contained the situation,” the police said in a statement reads. “At no point was the inner perimeter breached, and there was no threat to any protectees.”
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At least 100,000 protesters were upset over the Biden administration’s handling of Israel’s war with Hamas.
City leaders said that the would be ready for the protests and would start arresting people if violence broke out.
“We want people to exercise their First Amendment rights. We will protect them while they’re doing it. But we will not guarantee someone that we’re not going to make arrests if they act violently or start to commit crimes,” said CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling.
Johnson said the city would be “ready for this moment” and that the city would “safe and peaceful and vibrant and energetic,” Johnson said.
The Democratic Party has been rocked by infighting over Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with many not happy with either President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris.