Federal Judge Rejects Challenge to Chicago DNC Protest Route, Despite Threats From Pro-Palestinians

Pro-Palestinian protestors threaten to march within "sight and sound" of DNC, claiming the "numbers are the determinants," regardless of whether they get permission or not

Photo byWesley TingeyonUnsplash

A federal judge has upheld the City of Chicago's planned protest route for the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC), rejecting demands from demonstrators seeking a longer and more direct path near the United Center. The decision was issued Monday by Federal Judge Andrea Wood in a 24-page ruling that affirmed the city's plan adheres to First Amendment rights.

The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by four protest groups—Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Anti-War Committee, Students for a Democratic Society at UIC, and U.S. Palestinian Community Network. These groups challenged the city’s decision to confine their protest to a 1.1-mile parade route and two public parks, including Union Park, which are located around the United Center's security perimeter. The groups argued that their request for a 2.3-mile route that would bring them closer to the convention site was unfairly denied, claiming their First Amendment rights were violated.

The lawsuit, which also named Tom Carney, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation, as a defendant, sought a modification of the designated protest route. The protesters specifically requested the elimination of two turns in the parade route that would take them away from Washington Boulevard and asked for the route to be extended by approximately one mile to move closer to the convention venue.

The Pro-Palestinian faction has said from the beginning that they will March “in sight and sound” of the DNC with or without permits. With protestors coming from around the country, the Pro-Palestinian group will be larger than what was expected when the security plan was drawn up. Muslim leaders have stated that they are expecting over 100,000 pro-Palestinian protestors to demonstrate at the DNC.

Hatem Abudayyeh, the spokesperson for the march and the national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, has also consistently insisted that their group will march "in sight and sound" of the DNC, regardless of whether they receive the necessary permits. "The masses are the determinants here," Abudayyeh stated. "If you have tens of thousands, 100,000 people, then you’re gonna be able to march."

The City of Chicago, represented in court by an attorney, argued that they had already made significant accommodations by relocating the designated parade route from Columbus Drive to a point three miles east, bringing it within sight and sound of the United Center. The city maintained that further concessions were not possible, citing security concerns, particularly on Washington Boulevard, which will be partially blocked by security fencing.

The judge's ruling recognized the city's efforts to balance the protesters' rights with security needs but also acknowledged that some issues remain unresolved. Judge Wood urged both parties to continue working together to iron out any outstanding details at a status hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Despite the court's decision, tensions remain high as the DNC approaches. Many in Chicago fear the apparent parallels between this year’s DNC in Chicago and the one in 1968. The memory of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which was marked by violent clashes between police and anti-Vietnam War demonstrators, looms large. Many in Chicago are concerned that the upcoming convention could see a repeat of such conflicts, especially given the size and determination of the protest groups involved.

The judge's ruling provides the City of Chicago with the legal backing to proceed with its current protest route and security plans, but the ongoing tensions, not all of the issues being resolved and the potential for large-scale demonstrations suggest that the situation could evolve as the convention date approaches. As part of the preparations, the U.S. Secret Service and Chicago officials are scheduled to provide a final update on security measures and plans later today.

The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago from August 19-22. The event is expected to formally nominate Kamala Harris as the party Presidential nominee.