Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march on DNC near United Center, rally in Union Park
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Please note: This content may be disturbing for some viewers
Thousands marched on the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night.
Several groups were involved in an unpermitted but predominantly peaceful pro-Palestinian rally, which started at Union Park.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
ABC7 followed the protesters all afternoon and into the evening. They were expressing their first amendment rights, and in some cases even policing themselves to keep the peace.
The protest was organized by the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine. The loud and spirited march stepped off shortly before 6 p.m. along a designated route.
The group planned to travel to Park 578 near the United Center, where the DNC is taking place, but was turned away. The protesters were funneled by Chicago police north and east under the L tracks back to Union Park.
There was a heavy police presence, including Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.
There were a few moments of tension, including a couple of firecrackers thrown at officers. At least two people appeared to almost be detained before being released again by police.
In one tense moment, a single flag-waving protester made their way to the Ashland CTA station, pushing and shoving with at least three police officers. That's when the self-policing Coalition for Justice in Palestine Marshals stepped in and deescalated the situation. CPD allowed the protesters to leave.
"That's our main goal, we don't want anybody to get arrested," CJP Marshal Majid Matariyeh said. "We are thankful to CPD for making sure, for allowing them to be released instead of getting arrested right on the spot. They could have easily done that."
The demonstration ended where it began at Union Park. Chicago Police allowed the unpermitted protest to disperse on its own with no incidents of violence.
The protesters have continued their calls for an end to the war in Gaza and for the U.S. to stop sending military aid to Israel.
On Tuesday night, dozens were arrested after confronting police outside the Israeli Consulate downtown Chicago.
On Monday, some protesters breached an outer perimeter fence near the DNC.
One organizer earlier Wednesday said they did 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, a pro-Israel group, shared their message at Park 578 earlier Wednesday, but left before the other protest could arrive.
ABC News contributed to this report.
