CHICAGO: Chaos erupted in Harlem Wednesday night during a pro-Kamala Harris campaign event, foreshadowing potential disturbances expected at next week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Anti-Israel protesters disrupted the gathering, hurling smoke bombs and expletives while accusing attendees of supporting actions against Palestinians.

Wearing keffiyehs, the protesters stormed a crowded restaurant, targeting patrons they believed supported "burning Palestine"—a reference to Israel's recent military actions in Gaza following a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Videos from the scene show patrons trying to ignore the disruption as the bartender called for help. Police arrived shortly, making several arrests amid the commotion, which included blaring horns and ringing bells.

While only a small group of protesters was reported in Harlem, the scale of upcoming protests in Chicago is expected to be much larger, with tens of thousands anticipated. John Macari, a retired NYPD lieutenant and podcast host, warned that the unrest seen in New York is a preview of what law enforcement in Chicago may face during the DNC.

Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and other local Democrats attended the New York event to endorse the Harris-Walz 2024 ticket, but Kamala Harris herself was absent. The protest resulted in significant damage to a small business, with some protesters defacing an NYPD cruiser with the message "Free Gaza."

David Gelman, a former prosecutor, criticized the lack of prosecution for such unlawful acts, arguing that lenient policies in Democratic-run cities encourage unrest. He also noted that some protesters view their actions as protected by free speech.

In Chicago, organizers are battling with city officials over protest permits, aiming to secure larger spaces and additional resources for their demonstrations during the DNC. A recent federal court ruling denied their request to alter protest routes inside the convention's security perimeter. The city has offered some concessions, including sound equipment and a stage at Union Park.

Protesters in Chicago are expected to demand an end to Democratic support for Israel's actions against Hamas, while pro-Israel groups plan counter-demonstrations. Chicago's long history of hosting major political conventions adds to the city's apprehension, recalling the turbulent 1968 protests during the Democratic National Convention.

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