Protests in Chicago at present: 54 arrested after protesters block I-190 close to O’Hare Airport Terminal 1, Loop march stops site visitors

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dozens had been arrested Monday after pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the roadway getting into into Terminal 1 at O’Hare Airport and later halted site visitors downtown.

Mates and supporters waited exterior Space 5 police headquarters later Monday for the 40 folks arrested to be launched.

These arrested included 31 girls and 9 males, ages 19-43, in keeping with Chicago police.

At one level Monday morning, the pro-Palestinian protesters utterly blocked entry to Terminal 1 on the airport, and so they blocked all lanes on westbound Interstate 190.

Visitors got here to a whole standstill proper in the midst of rush hour at one of many busiest airports within the nation. Chopper 7 flew above a miles-long backup for folks heading into O’Hare.

“Sufficient is sufficient. The U.S. authorities has given us no alternative however to disrupt enterprise as traditional,” Simone Tucker stated.

The demonstrators selected April 15 as a result of it is tax day within the U.S. Their goal is to convey consideration to the conflict in Gaza and assist Palestinians.

For tons of of air vacationers, nonetheless, the purpose of the protest was misplaced amid their frustration with making an attempt to catch their flights.

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A number of spoke as they received out and walked from the interstate to their terminals, baggage in hand.

“I perceive folks have the liberty to do what they need, however, when it begins impacting me personally, it is sort of a difficulty,” pissed off traveler Mike stated.

One lady walked, carrying her baby.

“That is the very last thing we wanna be doing,” she stated.

In Chicago, the protesters spent a number of hours in a police automobile, fingers sure along with plastic ties, earlier than being processed and launched.

“We made our level. We stood in solidarity with our comrades in Palestine, and we disrupted enterprise as traditional,” Tucker stated.

These arrested had been anticipated to be launched quickly, and had been charged with misdemeanors. They’re due in court docket at a later date.

On Monday afternoon, one other pro-Palestinian protest occurred downtown.

“Injustice! Injustice everywhere in the world. Everybody deserves to be free,” stated demonstrator Amna Hassan.

Dozens had been close to Clark and Adams streets about 4:30 p.m. within the Loop. They stated they’d not transfer from the roadway till all of these arrested earlier Monday had been launched.

As the massive group carved a flag-led course via metropolis streets, police minimize them off on the move, blocking protesters alongside Adams Avenue.

“It is horrible the way in which the cops are blocking us off from marching. We’ve not had this situation earlier than. We’re out right here each weekend. That is the fist time they’ve reacted like this,” stated demonstrator Javiar Vinuela.

Passionate requires freedom devolved into chaos as police clashed with protesters and punches had been thrown as the gang shoved and wrestled in streets.

Commuter site visitors screeched to a halt alongside Wacker Drive, first for prayers and as demonstrators refused to cede the intersection at rush hour, officers seized their audio system and bodily scuffles ensued.

There gave the impression to be some heated exchanges between protesters and police, and a few folks had been seen being taken away in handcuffs.

By about 6 p.m., protesters had shut down Higher Wacker Drive in each instructions at LaSalle Avenue.

Police stated 14 folks had been arrested throughout the Loop protest.

Amongst different issues, protesters have known as for a direct cease-fire within the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“Our households are dying. Our persons are dying. Our households have been displaced a number of occasions,” stated Deanna Othman with American Muslims for Palestine Chicago. “We is not going to cease till there’s a everlasting, unconditional cease-fire, till the USA halts navy funding to Israel.”

Anti-war protesters have demonstrated in Chicago close to each day since Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel that killed round 1,200 folks. Israeli warplanes and floor troops have carried out a scorched-earth marketing campaign on the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli offensive has killed greater than 33,700 Palestinians, in keeping with the Gaza well being ministry. The ministry doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its rely however says girls and kids make up two-thirds of the lifeless.

Sarah van Loon, regional director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Chicago, stated in a press release, “No matter level these protesters had been making an attempt to make was misplaced on the hundreds of individuals massively inconvenienced by this woefully misguided demonstration. There’s a time and place for all the pieces, together with a ceasefire. That may occur in Gaza as soon as Hamas releases all of the hostages, lays down its arms, and is prevented from having a job figuring out the way forward for Gaza. Maybe these protesters ought to direct their frustration at Hamas, for rejecting yet one more proposal that might result in a ceasefire. Performative charades like this do nothing to advance the reason for peace.”

Whereas the Monday morning protest was happening, a United Airways spokesperson stated a flight from Chicago to Washington, “returned safely to Chicago, after a non-credible risk was discovered written on a bathroom mirror.”

The Chicago protests on Monday had been a few of dozens in a number of international locations around the globe.

Professional-Palestinian protesters additionally shut down the Golden Gate Bridge Monday morning.

There have been related protests in locations like Philadelphia, San Antonio and Oregon.

The Related Press contributed to this report.