Protesters Plan DNC Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Despite Harris Nomination

Despite the Democratic National Convention’s last-minute switch to Vice President Kamala Harris as nominee, protesters opposed to US support of Israel remain committed to demonstrating outside the event next week, NBC News reports.

According to the report, Pro-Palestinian protest groups anticipate tens of thousands of people will gather in Chicago to make their voices heard as Harris is officially nominated.

“We’re not going to do anything different. We’re going to mobilize.. Harris represents the administration; she represents Biden. There is nothing that she has expressed independently that tells us she does not support the policies” Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the US Palestinian Community Network advocacy group, said.

Harris’s nomination had initially raised concerns about reduced protest activity, but organizers have maintained the momentum. They have incorporated “Killer Kamala” chants into their demonstrations, alongside the previously used “Genocide Joe” slogan targeting Biden.

“The movement is saying not only are we needing to stop the genocide, but we need to stop the possibility that this thing is going to be a regional war,” Abudayyeh explained, expressing fears of escalating conflict.

Law enforcement officials in Chicago have outlined their readiness to ensure the safety of the convention and the city.

“We do feel very prepared; we are very ready. … We’re going to work hand in glove to make sure that the DNC is safe and that Chicago is safe,”Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

However, disruptive individuals may attempt to exploit the event so attendees should remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity, former FBI special agent Robert Grant told the media outlet.