No arrests made on Day 3 of DNC, police hoping trend continues into last day

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Thursday is the final day of the DNC and there will be another protest. Police will be there in force once again.

Wednesday was a lot quieter than the day before, and police are hoping for more of the same.

Police Supt. Larry Snelling said Wednesday was different. Certainly, different than Tuesday, when there were skirmishes with police and dozens were arrested.

“So when you talk about crowd size, what you saw yesterday was completely different and it was a completely different focus from what you saw that occurred on Tuesday.

“The individuals who showed up on Tuesday came here strictly to commit crimes, to fight with the police and cause destruction to the city. That wasn't the focus of the group yesterday. They just want to be heard.”

Snelling has been present at protests with officers. He was asked how much sleep he’s had this week.

“I don’t know. If I add up all the hours, probably about none.”

He was also asked about protesters feeling intimidated by officers.

They can’t change their posture because they’re worried about feelings, he said. They’re doing their job protecting people and the city.

The biggest protest so far, which attracted about 3,500 people on Monday, was largely peaceful and resulted in 13 arrests, most related to a breach of security fencing. They did not gain access to the inner security perimeter at the United Center, where the convention is taking place.

Two people were arrested Sunday night during another mostly peaceful march.

The Coalition to March on the DNC, which organized the march on Monday, planned its second permitted demonstration of the week on Thursday, with a rally in a park near the United Center followed by a march through adjacent streets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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