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Chicago DNC protest: Additional fencing installed on Day Two following breach, police announce more arrests

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Published  August 20, 2024 12:52pm EDT
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FOX 32 Chicago

New fencing goes up after DNC protesters breach secure area

Officials installed another layer of fencing near the DNC at the United Center after a group of protesters took apart some of the barrier and carried the panels away.

CHICAGO - Security at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was increased Tuesday after a group of protesters broke down fencing and breached a secure area on the first day. 

Officials began installing additional fences at Washington Boulevard and Wood Street about two blocks from the United Center where the convention will be held through Thursday.

The protesters didn't get far and events at the DNC were not disrupted. Crews added a second layer of fence and began installing a second story. Additional anchors and locks were added to secure the fence in place. 

What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic and dangerous during a DNC-related march Monday afternoon. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling initially reported that at least four people were arrested. As of Tuesday morning, Snelling said approximately 10 people were arrested in relation to the fence breach. Since protests began on Sunday, 13 people have been taken into custody. 

Just an hour before the march started, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters, "We have no fear. We've had no incidents." However, that changed after 3 p.m.

Peaceful protesters were not connected to DNC fence breach: CPD

Officials provided an update on DNC security Tuesday morning after a protest took a chaotic turn Monday. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said thousands of people gathered to march peacefully outside the United Center and a select few instigators were responsible for the breach.

According to FOX 32 crews, a man used a sledgehammer from his backpack to dismantle perimeter fencing. Others broke down gates and jumped into restricted areas. Agitators were seen throwing sticks and rocks at police, and cameras captured another man lunging at law enforcement before being detained.

By 6 p.m., 100 Chicago police officers stood shoulder to shoulder as they evacuated the park.

Approximately 3,500 gathered to march and Snelling said that the organized peaceful protest was not tied to the fence breach. 

The City opened a temporary courthouse where the protesters were taken to appear before a judge. Located in the 2400 block of West Belmont Avenue, the former Cook County Circuit Court has been re-activated to handle a potential influx of arrests during the DNC.

It came at the request of the Chicago Police Department and the City of Chicago in preparation for an increased number of court proceedings if mass-arrest incidents unfold during protests.

Temporary court set up to handle DNC protest arrests

The City of Chicago is taking swift action to deal with protesters trying to breach secure areas at the Democratic National Convention. Multiple people were arrested Monday as protesters broke fencing around the United Center.

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Chicago DNC: Several arrested during protest chaos outside United Center

Chicago protesters breached a security fence outside the United Center on Monday as thousands inside prepared for the first night of the Democratic National Convention.