During his speech at the DNC in Chicago on Monday, Joe Biden discusses the work he and Kamala Harris have done to lower the crime rate in the United States and slams Donald Trump while doing it
What to Know
- President Joe Biden addressed the crowd to finish off the first night of the convention.
- Hillary Clinton praised Harris' march toward potential history.
- Steve Kerr, Andy Beshear were among Trump's harshest critics.
- Obama, Pritzker to address convention Tuesday.
Editor's note: NBC Chicago will offer a live feed of evening and primetime speeches each day Monday-Thursday in the player above and on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel.
Democrats have already transitioned away from President Joe Biden and toward Vice President Kamala Harris as their nominee in the 2024 election, but the party held a passing of the torch with Biden capping off the first night of the DNC.
Biden took direct aim at former President Donald Trump at multiple intervals during his address, and also laid out the accomplishments of his term in an effort to bolster Harris, who will aim to earn a four-year term in the White House this November.
Protesters near the United Center breached a barrier earlier in the day, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others received loud ovations inside.
Here are the updates from the convention floor.
Who is performing at the DNC on Day 2? Celebrity sightings and what we know so far
By NBC Chicago Staff
Democrats have already transitioned away from President Joe Biden and toward Vice President Kamala Harris as their nominee in the 2024 election, but the party held a passing of the torch with Biden capping off the first night of the DNC.
Who will perform at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Tuesday?
While organizers released a list of performers for the first night of the Monday, the list of expected musical guests were notably absent from Tuesday's speaker list and schedule -- but some big names are still anticipated.
Both Chicago rapper Common and R&B musician Patti LaBelle were seen warming up at Chicago's United Center Tuesday, indicating the two are expected to perform for the second night of the DNC.
On Monday, three performances were slated, though the headliner, James Taylor, was canceled due to delays in the schedule.
DNC officials trim elements of program, including James Taylor performance, for Biden speech
By NBC Chicago Staff
El presidente de Estados Unidos, Joe Biden, sube al escenario durante la noche inaugural de la Convención Nacional Demócrata (DNC) en el United Center de Chicago, Illinois. EFE/EPA/CAROLINE BREHMAN
Several elements of Monday's DNC program, including a performance by musician James Taylor, were scrapped to allow for President Joe Biden's speech.
“Because of the raucous applause interrupting speaker after speaker, we ultimately skipped elements of our program to ensure we could get to President Biden as quickly as possible so that he could speak directly to the American people. We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud that our convention is showcasing the broad and diverse coalition behind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and off the stage.”
Biden blasts Trump as ‘convicted felon' in searing moment
By NBC Chicago Staff
US President Joe Biden delivers the keynote address on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024.
President Joe Biden decries political violence of Jan. 6 rioters
By NBC Chicago Staff
During his speech at the DNC in Chicago on Monday, Joe Biden condemned the violence that happened on January 6, 2020, after Biden beat Donald Trump in the election
Dr. Jill Biden praises husband's courage in deciding to halt presidential bid
By NBC Chicago Staff
At the DNC in Chicago, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden takes the stage and praises her husband for having the courage to step down and allowing Kamala Harris to be the democratic nominee for president in the 2024 election
Former President Obama praises Steve Kerr's DNC address
By NBC Chicago Staff
Chicago Bulls legend Steve Kerr showed up at the DNC in Chicago to show support for Kamala Harris and discuss the importance of speaking out during a critical 2024 presidential election
Former President Barack Obama, an avid basketball fan, praised Warriors coach Steve Kerr's DNC address on social media.
Gov. Tim Walz cracks jokes after kids make ‘bunny ears' during Harris introduction
By NBC Chicago Staff
Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz gestures to the crowd as he arrives to his seat on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024.
Gov. Tim Walz's children were caught making 'bunny ears' behind his head during Vice President Kamala Harris' surprise appearance at the DNC, and he kept things honest.
JB Pritzker takes ‘Daily Show's' Jordan Klepper on drinking tour of Chicago during DNC
By NBC Chicago Staff
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sat down in a one-on-one interview with NBC Chicago’s Mary Ann Ahern to talk about questions looming ahead of the 2024 DNC.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has clearly been looking forward to Chicago hosting the DNC for a long time, and he was happy to show off the city to “The Daily Show” correspondent Jordan Klepper.
The duo went on a drink-filled adventure through the Lake View neighborhood for a segment on the show, including stops at the GMan Tavern, Guthrie’s Tavern and Murphy’s Bleachers before strolling into Wrigley Field.
Naturally, Pritzker and Klepper enjoyed a shot of Malort, the beverage the governor described as the “unofficial shot of the DNC” in recent days.
Pritzker also had high praise for “The Bear” and for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and blasted former President Donald Trump’s seeming unwillingness to accept the 2024 election’s results if he loses.
What is a delegate? What to know as DNC kicks off in Chicago
By NBC Chicago Staff, NBC News and The Associated Press
Watch the full speech President Joe Biden gave at the DNC in Chicago on Monday night
Throngs of Democratic party members have flocked to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to celebrate the selection of Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee.
While certain members, known as delegates, typically decide on the presidential nominee during a party's convention, that won't be the case this time around. The vote will only be ceremonial.
On Aug. 6, Harris officially won the Democratic presidential nomination in an online vote, the first time a nominee was named prior to a party’s convention.
The Democratic National Committee calls the ceremonial vote a “celebratory Roll Call” and said in a statement the event would give delegates the opportunity to “celebrate the nomination” of Harris, who is the first woman of color to lead a major party presidential ticket.
What does ‘scab' mean? The viral T-shirt worn by a DNC speaker explained
By NBC Chicago Staff
At the DNC in Chicago, United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain shares his support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz while bashing Donald Trump saying he is no friend to unions
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain wore a t-shirt during his address to the DNC Monday that is setting social media on fire, but what does it mean?
The shirt, which he wore under his jacket during his address, contained the phrase “Trump is a scab. Vote Harris.”
His rhetoric echoed that sentiment, as he called former President Donald Trump a “scab” and praised Vice President Kamala Harris as a champion of the working class.
But what does the term “scab” mean?
Ex-Chicago Bulls star Steve Kerr says ‘night, night' to Trump at DNC
By NBC Chicago Staff
Chicago Bulls legend Steve Kerr showed up at the DNC in Chicago to show support for Kamala Harris and discuss the importance of speaking out during a critical 2024 presidential election
Former Chicago Bulls star Steve Kerr returned to the United Center on Monday, but instead of hoisting the game-winning shot in the NBA Finals, he instead invoked Steph Curry and praised Vice President Kamala Harris in a speech at the DNC.
Kerr, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, said he is committed to spending the remaining weeks until the election ensuring a Harris victory, and he invoked Curry’s famed “night, night” celebration to wrap up his address.
“After the results are tallied that night, we can, in the words of the great Steph Curry, we can tell Donald Trump ‘night, night,’’ he said.
Kerr said he was aware that speaking out on the political scene was a fraught enterprise, but said he knew it was the right thing to do as he addressed delegates. He also invoked political commentator Laura Ingraham's famous criticism of LeBron James, whom she told to "shut up and dribble" over his political views.
Beyoncé's ‘Freedom' played at DNC in Chicago amid performance speculation
By NBC Chicago Staff
After showing a powerful video to Beyonce’s song ‘Freedom,’ Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris surprised the delegates at the DNC in Chicago
Editor's note: NBC Chicago will offer a live feed of evening and primetime speeches each day Monday-Thursday in the player above and on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel
The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago will feature some prominent names and celebrity appearances, but there have been questions from some fans wondering if Beyoncé or Taylor Swift could surprise everyone with a performance.
That speculation only heightened when Vice President Kamala Harris walked out onstage at Chicago's United Center to Beyoncé's "Freedom," surprising the convention with an early speech ahead of her scheduled remarks Thursday. (Watch the moment here)
The Queen Bey is no stranger to political performances, having performed at former President Barack Obama's Inaugural Ball and again singing the Star Spangled Banner at Obama's Inauguration in 2013.
Jason Isbell serenades the DNC with a pro-labor tune
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 19: Musician Jason Isbell performs during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic party supporters are in Chicago for the convention, concluding with current Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s presidential nomination. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Wearing a tuxedo in a hue of Democratic blue, country and Americana singer-songwriter Jason Isbell sang his labor-celebrating “Something More Than Free” on the convention stage.
Backed by the house band, Isbell took the stage with his Telecaster guitar, singing lyrics that included, “Sunday morning I’m too tired to go to church. I just thank God for the work,” in front of an image of a barn with an American flag painted on it.
He ended with a shoutout to the delegation from his native Alabama.
The 45-year-old singer and sometime actor — he had a major supporting role in Martin Scorcese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” last year — is from the community of Green Hill. He’s known for speaking out about liberal causes, and his willingness to spar with commenters, on social media.
VP Kamala Harris makes surprise appearance at DNC
After showing a powerful video to Beyonce’s song ‘Freedom,’ Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris surprised the delegates at the DNC in Chicago
Kamala Harris surprises delegates at Democratic National Convention
By NBC Chicago Staff
After showing a powerful video to Beyonce’s song ‘Freedom,’ Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris surprised the delegates at the DNC in Chicago
While Democratic Party delegates will hear from presidential nominee Kamala Harris when the 2024 Democratic National Convention wraps up Thursday, the group got a special welcome from the vice president herself a few days early.
In a stunning surprise, Harris walked out on stage to greet delegates and deliver a short tribute to President Joe Biden on Day 1 of the convention.
"This is going to be a great week," she stated to a round of applause. "I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible President Joe Biden... Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation and for all you will continue to do, we are forever grateful to you."
Harris arrived in Chicago Sunday, and while it was expected she would be in attendance on Day 1, it was uncertain if she'd take the stage prior to Thursday.
Senator Schumer says he received ‘hundreds' of calls saying Biden should step down
By Associated Press
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters about a vote to protect rights for access to in vitro fertilization to achieve pregnancy, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he received calls from “hundreds” of people telling him that Joe Biden should step down after the presidential debate in June.
“I thought we ought to do it privately if people wanted to do it,” Schumer said at a Politico event about Democrats’ calls for him to step down. “I thought it would be both more effective and more honorable.”
Civil Rights leader Jesse Jackson Sr. receives standing ovation on Day 1 of DNC
By NBC Chicago Staff
Reverend and American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson receives a standing ovation from delegates at the DNC in Chicago
Jesse Jackson, the Chicago rights activist and Democratic presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988, was recognized on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention.
Jackson, 82, entered the stage in a wheelchair, holding up both thumbs up in triumph to a cheering crowd. The founder of Chicago's Rainbow PUSH Coalition was escorted by two of his sons, Yusef and U.S. Rep. Johnathan Jackson., as well as longtime friend and fellow civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton.
"Tonight, I had the honor of walking my big brother and mentor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, onto the stage for the opening night of the DNC in Chicago, alongside two of his sons, Jonathan and Yusef Jackson," Sharpton said in a post on X. "Rev. Jackson’s Presidential campaigns helped pave the way for future elections, and the United Center was deeply moved by the well-deserved tribute to his life, impact, and legacy."
Multiple speakers gave shoutouts to Jackson, who was also the subject of a video broadcast at the event’s hall. The video noted that Vice President Harris was “standing on the shoulder of giants” such as Jackson.
Why Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is addressing DNC's opening night
By NBC Chicago Staff
Chicago Bulls legend Steve Kerr showed up at the DNC in Chicago to show support for Kamala Harris and discuss the importance of speaking out during a critical 2024 presidential election
Golden State Warriors and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr is very familiar with Chicago’s United Center, but he’ll take center stage in a different way at the DNC’s opening night.
Kerr, who won three consecutive championships with the Chicago Bulls between 1996 and 1998 and hit the game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals, will address convention delegates in Chicago on Monday.
In all, Kerr won five championships as a player and has won four more as a coach with the Warriors, posting a record of 519-274 in 10 seasons at the helm.
Kerr also helped Team USA capture the gold medal in men’s basketball at the recent Paris Olympics, though he isn’t “expected to continue” in that role moving forward, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin praises Biden's record on job creation
By NBC Chicago Staff
At the DNC in Chicago, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin talked about the low unemployment rate when Donald Trump was in office, what Joe Biden has accomplished as President and more.
Rep. Lauren Underwood, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan blast Trump on COVID response
By NBC Chicago Staff
At the DNC in Chicago, Illinois United States Representative Lauren Underwood talked about the way Donald Trump handled the COVID-19 pandemic, the Affordable Care Act, and more
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood both took to the podium at the DNC in Chicago to blast former President Donald Trump’s response to the early days of the COVID pandemic.
Flanagan shared the story of how her brother died after contracting the virus in Tennessee, and how the Trump Administration’s actions left others vulnerable to a similar fate.
“My brother was the second person to die of COVID in the state of Tennessee,” she said. “We couldn’t see him, we couldn’t have a memorial, and millions of American families went through the same thing.”
Underwood, a registered nurse first elected to Congress in 2018, said that where Trump failed, the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris succeeded.
What time is Biden speaking at the DNC tonight? Full schedule and what to know
By NBC Chicago Staff
Watch the full speech President Joe Biden gave at the DNC in Chicago on Monday night
Editor's note: NBC Chicago will offer a live feed of evening and primetime speeches each day Monday-Thursday in the player above and on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel. You can find President Biden's full DNC speech from night one here. Our original story continues below.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to headline the first night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago Monday.
Biden, who will be joined by his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, and his daughter, Ashley Biden, is set to cap off a night of speeches from prominent political figures like former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and more.
The convention comes just four weeks after Biden shuttered his campaign and made way for Harris to ascend to the top of Democrats' ticket.
James Taylor, Jason Isbell: Here's who's performing at the DNC Monday
Watch the full speech President Joe Biden gave at the DNC in Chicago on Monday night
Note: James Taylor's planned performance was canceled by Democratic National Convention officials Monday night.
DNC officials released the following statement regarding the change of plans:
"Because of the raucous applause interrupting speaker after speaker, we ultimately skipped elements of our program to ensure we could get to President Biden as quickly as possible so that he could speak directly to the American people. We are proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud that our convention is showcasing the broad and diverse coalition behind the Harris-Walz ticket throughout the week on and off the stage.”
EARLIER:
Mayor Brandon Johnson: ‘Welcome to the greatest city in the world'
By NBC Chicago Staff
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party’s nomination for president at the DNC which runs from August 19-22 in Chicago. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Shouting out Ida B. Wells, Rev. Jesse Jackson and former President Barack Obama, Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed the DNC to Chicago during the opening night of the convention.
"What will it take to defend our fundamental rights and our freedoms? It will take someone with leadership who will fight for us, and let me tell you America. Leadership: Kamala’s got it," he said.
Former President Obama: ‘It's good to be home in Chicago'
By NBC Chicago Staff
Former President Barack Obama
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan could make history if Harris-Walz ticket succeeds
By Associated Press
During the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan shared an emotional story about her brother’s death from COVID-19 and criticized former President Trump’s inadequate response to the pandemic.
If Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are elected this fall, not only would a woman of color lead the country for the first time, but a Native woman would govern a state for the first time in U.S. history too.
Peggy Flanagan, the lieutenant governor of Minnesota and a citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, is poised to serve as the state’s next governor should Walz step down to accept the role of vice president of the United States. Her rise to power has been watched closely by Indigenous peoples in Minnesota and across the country who see her as a champion of policies that positively affect Native Americans.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM DNC CHICAGO
In recent years, Minnesota has integrated tribal consultation into numerous aspects of the state government, created one of the country’s first state offices for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and strengthened its laws protecting Native children in the adoption system. Many Indigenous leaders point to Flanagan as the driving force behind these changes, as well as a significant rise in respect for tribal sovereignty and autonomy in state policy.
Multiple people arrested after protesters breach barricade near the United Center
By NBC Chicago Staff, JC Navarrete and Courtney Sisk
Outside of the DNC at the United Centers, protesters can be seen breaching the barricade
Multiple people were arrested by Chicago police on Monday evening when a group of protesters breached a security barrier near the United Center as the Democratic National Convention began.
NBC Chicago/Telemundo Chicago photojournalists captured footage of multiple protesters scaling fences at Park 578, where a protest permitted by city officials was set to end by 6 p.m. Chanting erupted and people banged on fences as scores of Chicago police officers clad in riot gear confronted several protesters.
According to the DNC Joint Information Center, protesters breached a portion of the fencing, but did not breach the inner perimeter around the United Center.
"The National Special Security Event plan employs a multi-layered approach. Each NSSE plan is unique and includes multiple layers," a statement read. "One of these redundancies include the outer perimeter fence, which was erected to prevent entry into the inner perimeter."
Protesters breach barricade outside the DNC at the United Center
Protesters breach barriers near United Center as DNC begins
A group of protesters have breached a security barrier near the United Center as the DNC is set to get underway Monday afternoon.
According to NBC Chicago and Telemundo reporters, the protesters knocked aside a piece of the fencing on the northern side of the restricted area near the arena.
Telemundo Chicago’s Jorge DeSantiago reported that at least three individuals have been detained. We will update this space with new details as they become available.
Expressway ramps closed near McCormick Place, United Center
By NBC Chicago Staff
With tens of thousands of people including delegates, politicians and protestors expected in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, both federal and local law enforcement authorities have promised a secure event. NBC 5 Investigates’ Bennett Haeberle reports.
Multiple expressway ramps have been closed Monday afternoon due to continued safety protocols around the sites of the Democratic National Convention.
According to Chicago OEMC, the ramp off of DuSable Lake Shore Drive toward the inbound Dan Ryan Expressway is closed, as is the ramp from the inbound Stevenson Expressway onto the inbound Dan Ryan.
The ramp from the inbound Kennedy Expressway onto the outbound Eisenhower Expressway is also closed.
Long lines build ahead of ‘Daily Show' broadcast at DNC
Jon Stewart will host “The Daily Show” from Chicago this week, featuring guests like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture.
Long lines were seen outside of the studios where "The Daily Show" will air during night one of the Democratic National Convention, with Jon Stewart set to host.
2024 DNC: Watch live coverage of Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago
By NBC Chicago Staff
You’re watching the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel, which plays local Chicago news 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find the “NBC 5 Chicago News” streaming channel on your phone or computer, and on Peacock, Samsung, Roku, Xumo or on our app, so you can watch our local news on your schedule.
Editor's note: NBC Chicago will offer a live feed of evening and primetime speeches each day Monday-Thursday in the player above and on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel
The 2024 Democratic National Convention will kick off its four-day "DemPalooza" in Chicago Monday, with major speeches, surprise performers and more set to take the stage.
While the event itself won't be open to the general public, viewers will still be able to watch the convention live and unfiltered from start to finish.
Here's how you can watch it live on streaming, television and more:
Metra Electric Line trains halted near McCormick Place
By NBC Chicago Staff
A passenger disembarks from a Metra commuter train in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Businesses will look to recover from their losses as they welcome customers for the first time in months on Wednesday, when Chicago enters the third phase of its reopening plan during the pandemic. Photographer: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Movement of dignitaries for the Democratic National Convention have caused trains to be temporarily halted on the Metra Electric Line, which runs near McCormick Place.
Rolling closures on Chicago streets, expressways as DNC begins
By NBC Chicago Staff
The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago officially kicks of Monday, with big political names on the schedule of speakers.
Chicago motorists are going to have to keep an eye out on rolling street and expressway closures throughout the DNC this week, and things are already getting underway on Monday.
With President Joe Biden and other dignitaries in town, motorists can expect rolling closures on downtown streets, but also on expressways as those dignitaries are shuttled between their hotels and the United Center.
According to OEMC, those rolling closures can be expected through the evening rush Monday:
It is recommended that Chicagoans download the OEMC app for the latest information on any closures.
Rolling street closures expected in Chicago as dignitaries arrive at DNC
By NBC Chicago Staff
El presidente de EE.UU., Joe Biden, aseguró este martes 13 de agosto de 2024 que espera que un acuerdo de cese el fuego en Gaza disuada a Irán de atacar Israel. EFE/EPA/Bonnie Cash
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications warns Chicago-area residents that there will be rolling street closures in the downtown area and on the West Side Monday as dignitaries, including President Joe Biden, arrive at the United Center.
When will Harris speak at the DNC in Chicago? What to know and how to watch live
You’re watching the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel, which plays local Chicago news 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find the “NBC 5 Chicago News” streaming channel on your phone or computer, and on Peacock, Samsung, Roku, Xumo or on our app, so you can watch our local news on your schedule.
Editor's note: NBC Chicago will offer a live feed of evening and primetime speeches each day Monday-Thursday in the player above and on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel
The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago will culminate with an acceptance speech by presidential nominee Kamala Harris, just four weeks after President Joe Biden shuttered his campaign and made way for Harris to ascend to the top of Democrats' ticket.
The political transformation just months before the election matchup with the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, has meant a rapid succession of changes for Democrats' 2024 calculus in general — making the convention all the more noteworthy.
The largely ceremonial vote at Chicago's convention will signal the party coalescing around a singular vision for the next four years.
Where is Union Park in Chicago? What to know about the starting point for permitted DNC protests
By NBC Chicago Staff
While multiple demonstrations from hundreds of groups are planned during the week of the Democratic National Convention, the first protest took place before the DNC even began. NBC Chicago’s Courtney Sisk reports.
Several protests are expected throughout this week in Chicago as delegates descend on the city for the Democratic National Convention.
All of the six permitted protests planned from Monday through Thursday begin at one central point: Union Park.
Located at 1501 W. Randolph St., Union Park consists is situated on the Near West Side, approximately 0.4 miles away from the primary convention site, the United Center. Bordered by Ashland Avenue, Washington Boulevard as well as Lake and Randolph Streets, the park encompasses 13.77 acres and features multiple buildings, including a fieldhouse, and various outdoor amenities, according to the Chicago Park District's website.
On Friday, a coalition organizing protests struck a last-minute deal with city officials, satisfying many of the group's demands with a stage and sound system at the site. The agreement includes a stage, a sound system and portable toilets at Union Park. It does not include tents, which the city previously said could be used to hide the activities of the protesters.
