Several anti-Israel protesters detained after breaking through police fence near DNC

CHICAGO — Protesters break through a fence set up by police near the site of the Democratic National Convention on its opening day Monday as thousands took to the streets to voice their opposition to Israel over the war with Hamasin Gaza.

As the larger group marches, a few dozen who broke away tear down pieces of the security fence. Some protesters, dressed in black with their faces covered, drag pieces of the fence back to a park near the United Center, where the convention is being held.

Members of the crowd chant “End the occupation now” and then “The whole world is watching!” just as anti-Vietnam War protesters did during the infamous 1968 convention in Chicago when police clashed with protesters on live television. Officers put on gas masks as some protesters try to bring down a second fence set up in front of police.

The march happens just as US President Joe Biden, who has been the target of intense criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, including the marchers, is doing a walk-through of the largely empty United Center. Biden is scheduled to address the party in the evening.

“Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide,” the marchers chant amid the beating of drums. They also refer to him as “Genocide Joe” and lodge similar chants at Vice President Kamala Harris.

The group that separated from the larger march is later removed from a restricted area by police, including those led by Superintendent Larry Snelling.

Police wearing helmets with masks attached form a line along a fence, which still has several panels missing, as some activists shout at them. Several protesters who managed to get through the fence are detained and handcuffed by the police.