A rally intended to kick off the Harris-Walz presidential campaign in New York City turned into a chaotic scene Wednesday night as pro-Hamas protesters stormed the event. The rally, held on West 135th Street and organized by the Harlem to the Heights Campaign Committee, saw prominent Democrats like Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams in attendance. Approximately 200 supporters filled the venue, including union members, local voters, and Democrat Party delegates.
The event, intended as a show of unity for New York Democrats, quickly unraveled as tensions simmered just across the street. Protesters, primarily opposing U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, gathered behind barricades, their discontent boiling over as they attempted to breach the security perimeter surrounding the event. The situation escalated dramatically, leading to the deployment of smoke bombs and the intervention of the police to restore order.
Ukrainian-American journalist Oliya Scootercaster captured the chaos, reporting that several protesters managed to breach the security barriers and storm the venue, adding to the disorder. Law enforcement responded with multiple arrests as they sought to regain control of the scene.
Despite the disorder, the event highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly on issues related to foreign policy and U.S. support for Israel. Serena Grey, a delegate from Staten Island, noted the growing tensions, mentioning that tickets for the convention had become so sought after that they were being sold on the black market for up to $5,000.
The rally, meant to be a celebratory start for the Harris-Walz campaign, instead became a symbol of the fractures and challenges facing the Democratic Party as it heads into a contentious election season. As the night wore on, the chaotic scenes outside the venue underscored the growing unrest within the party and the broader electorate.
For a closer look at the events as they unfolded, you can watch the videos below:
BREAKING: Pro-Palestine protesters just STORMED into a private meeting between Kamala Harris campaign officials. They set off SMOKE BOMBS inside the restaurant
Police made a lot of arrests.
Democrats are getting a taste of their own supporters. CRAZY!
pic.twitter.com/IOnh42s7hv— George (@BehizyTweets) August 15, 2024
Pro Palestine Protestors disrupt Kamala Harris event in NYC
This election will be interesting especially Michigan
*mawtini_palestine pic.twitter.com/Lm1RuZhljT
— IamLegend 🇺🇸 (@DarkSideAdvcate) August 15, 2024
The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) is scheduled to take place from August 19-22, 2024. The event will be held in Chicago, Illinois.
The convention is expected to celebrate Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president and Tim Walz as the nominee for vice president.
However, the city is bracing for what could be a perfect storm of chaos. With the possibility of up to 100,000 pro-Hamas protesters flooding the streets, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is preparing for the worst.
According to WGN9, “Leaders of four Muslim organizations say they’re expecting upwards of 100,000 demonstrators to take part in a number of protests during the Democratic National Convention.”
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