Chicago DNC 2024 security fences coming down, streets reopening as officials celebrate success

The group of pro-Palestinian protesters who gathered in Union Park are now on the move.

They began marching shortly before 6 p.m., following the route designed by CPD for protests between Union Park and Park 578. It's the same route used by protesters Monday, but unlike that rally, this protest does not have permits for marching or to be in Park 578, police said.

There is a large police presence along the route and with the protesters. There are also rolling street closures in the area.

Several groups are involved in an unpermitted pro-Palestinian rally Wednesday afternoon, starting at Union Park.

It's being organized by the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine.

A march is also expected to Park 578 near the United Center, where the DNC is taking place.

On Monday, some protesters breached an outer perimeter fence near the DNC.

As of about 4 p.m., several hundred had gathered peacefully in the area, as speeches were heard.

A Union Park protest is expected to march toward the DNC Wednesday.

They're calling for an end to the war in Gaza and for the U.S. to stop sending military aid to Israel.

One organizer Wednesday said they do not expect any violence.

"Our whole point is to end hate and end violence, and anyone who's coming with intention to do that is not part of us. We are here peacefully protesting; we've been doing it for 10 months, and we've been doing it for years. We don't stand for that," said Amira Daoud, with American Muslims for Palestine.

The Chicago Jewish Alliance is expected to share their message at Park 578 Wednesday afternoon, as well.

The FBI is investigating after a group of women put what sources said were maggots on tables holding food at a DNC delegate breakfast the Fairmont Chicago hotel Wednesday morning.

According to Chicago police, several women allegedly entered the hotel at about 6:45 a.m.and began putting "unknown objects" onto tables that held the food. They then left the area, police said.

Sources told ABC7 the women put maggots on the tables.

Along with CPD, the FBI is assisting in the investigation. No arrests have been made.

The OEMC said rolling street closures would take place on Wednesday in West Town.

-Ashland Avenue between Washington and Lake

-Damen Avenue between Maypole and Lake

-Lake Street between Damen and Ashland

It is unknown when the streets will be shutdown. The public is advised to look for alternative routes.