CHICAGO (WLS) -- After four days of viral speeches, surprise guests, protests, street closures and security measures culminating in the nomination of Kamala Harris for president, the 2024 Democratic National Convention is over.
Chicago officials are celebrating a job well done. Thousands of protesters expressed their opinions peacefully and Chicago police made less than 100 arrests over four days.
Starting early Friday morning, the security barriers were being dismantled and streets were reopening. All areas around the United Center and McCormick Place will be open again by Monday, August 26.
Crews began to dismantle the fences and barricades around the United Center and McCormick Place early Friday now that the Chicago Democratic National Convention has ended.
Full security perimeter reopening timeline:
Thursday, August 22
6 p.m. Perimeter take-down set to begin.
Friday, August 23
3 p.m. All major intersections cleared. I-55 off-ramp will be open.
Sunday, August 25
6 a.m. - Cermak from Michigan to Indiana will be clear.
8 a.m. - All area open and 75% of assets cleared off curbs.
Monday, August 26
6 a.m. - 100% of assets removed - area completely reopened.
Friday, August 23
1 a.m. - Takedown to begin (subject to change)
Saturday, August 24
Noon - Damen, Wood, and Adams open (if possible)
Most major intersections cleared for traffic.
Sunday, August 25
11:59 p.m. - All areas open & 75% of assets cleared off curbs
Monday, August 26
11:59 p.m. - All assets removed, reopen complete.
A small fire was set on the ground during the protest outside the Israeli Consulate.
The ABC7 I-Team reports that protesters burned at least two flags; one appeared to be an American flag, and another appeared to be an American flag
Several people were arrested at an unauthorized pro-Palestinian protest in downtown Chicago outside the Israeli Consulate on the second night of the DNC.
Protesters with Behind Enemy Lines gathered for speeches and a rally near the Ogilvie Transportation Center. A line of police kept them curtailed to about a block as they rallied but then they attempted to march south onto Clinton where they were confronted with a line of police.
Some shoving ensued and several people were taken into custody. While a line of police in riot gear were deployed others were seen leaving the scene and the tension seemed to be diffused fairly quickly.
The group's rally continues as of 7:50 p.m.
As some protesters began gathering downtown near the Israeli Consulate, there was a massive presence from Chicago police. Officers on bike and on foot far outnumbered the attendees shortly before 7 p.m.
The officers were not dressed in riot gear.
A group called Behind Enemy Lines said they will hold a rally at 7 p.m. The organization said prior to the Democratic National Convention, they've had multiple protests, distributed pamphlets and organized others to stand with Palestinians and denounce the DNC.
Shortly after 7 p.m., a few dozen protesters had arrived at the site.
The second night of the DNC features the ceremonial roll call, in which a representative of each delegation goes up and officially casts their state's votes for a candidate, in this case Kamala Harris.
Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Democratic Party Chair Lisa Hernandez will deliver Illinois' votes for Harris.
