CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago police arrested 11 pro-Palestinian demonstrators after a protest blocked a portion of a Loop street on Saturday.
Police said the protestors gathered at about 2:40 p.m. on Franklin Street and proceeded to block a stretch of road between Monroe Street and Arcade Place.
Within five minutes, Chicago police officers ordered the demonstrators to clear the street. A police spokesperson said protesters were offered the chance to leave without being arrested, an opportunity that dozens of people took.
Officials said police gave multiple dispersal orders before they arrested the 11 individuals who remained — about 30 minutes after the demonstration began.
The protesters were calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, Chicago police said.
Another pro-Palestinian demonstration prompted the closure of Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain, which was dyed red sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning. The words “Gaza is bleeding” were also painted onto the pavers just outside of the fountain.
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