Surprise protests have popped up around Chicago as activists disrupt meetings, events and meals on day three of the Democratic National Convention.
The big picture: Mostly peaceful marches dominated headlines earlier in the week , but smaller disruptions have sprung up at parties and delegation events.
- Several women senators attended a luncheon at Avli on the Park Wednesday afternoon, before CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin and co-director Danaka Katovich interrupted the event, chanting " there is no majority for Israel. "
- Other reports include a disruption at the Indiana state delegation breakfast, where delegates allegedly were targeted and the FBI is investigating whether protesters deliberately put bugs — potentially crickets or maggots — in the delegation's food .
- Also, protesters bum-rushed the Axios Chicago event stage at RPM Events on Tuesday evening.
What they're saying: "The safety and well-being of our delegation is our top priority. All Americans have the right to peaceful protest, but ugly attacks like this have no place in our democracy," Indiana Democratic Party spokesperson Sam Barloga told Axios. "We thank the security team for responding swiftly."
Zoom out: These disruptions come on the heels of a Tuesday night protest at the Israeli Consulate by a group separate from the Coalition to March on the DNC that resulted in the arrest of dozens of protesters and three journalists.
- Protesters also disrupted an interview with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the Auditorium Theater during a taping of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Tuesday and had to be removed from the theater.
What's next: A march by the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine is planned for 4:30pm Wednesday at Union Park. The third day of United Center festivities will kick off Wednesday night, with headliner Tim Walz.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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