DNC protests 2024: Several arrests in confrontation between pro-Palestinian and anti-DNC protesters with Chicago police near Israeli consulate

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A group of pro-Palestinian and anti-democracy protesters confronted Chicago police during a rally outside the Israeli consulate downtown on Tuesday.

Dozens gathered around 7 p.m. outside the consulate, which is more than a mile from the United Center, where the DNC is being held this week. Some pro-Israel protesters were also seen.

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After several speeches, protesters burned at least two flags, one of which was an American flag and another of which was an American flag with the Star of David.

The group then went out onto the street and started running.

A crowd of about 200 protesters attempted to break through a police bicycle chain and clashed with police officers. Fights broke out, but the protesters were unsuccessful, but the situation escalated nonetheless.

Hundreds of Chicago police officers in riot gear, face shields and batons surrounded the group to disperse the protesters, at times forcing them onto the sidewalk.

However, the protesters did not disperse but engaged in a standoff with police. Protesters were also seen hitting police officers with wooden shields.

Chicago Police Sgt. Larry Snelling stared at the crowd from the front lines.

Protesters again attempted to engage police, but were then funneled through the Loop by a combination of bicycle police blockades and uniformed individuals. Some protesters left, others continued marching near Union Station, where they were again pushed back.

Several arrests were captured on video, including the arrest of one of the protest leaders.

The matter ended with the last few dozen protesters. The few who still climbed onto the signs were violently pulled down by Chicago police and loaded onto waiting city buses.

The protest ended with a whimper rather than a bang. No shots were fired. No pepper spray was used and no tasers were used.

A group called “Behind Enemy Lines” organized the rally, which was not approved by the city.

SEE MORE: After break-in during DNC, workers erect new fence around United Center; 13 people arrested during protests

The organization said it held numerous protests outside the DNC, handing out leaflets and organizing others to stand with Palestinians and denounce the DNC.

Pro-Palestinian leaders representing Monday's march at the DNC said they had nothing to do with Tuesday's rally.

Snelling had given a speech at the protests earlier on Tuesday.

“Well, I can tell you, you never know what to expect from a group like that. But I can tell you what I expect from our side, what I expect from our Chicago police officers who are going to respond to this. And regardless of what they say on the CPD aspect, we're going to rely on our training. We're going to stay focused, stay focused on protecting the First Amendment, but we're also going to make sure we're protecting everybody in this city,” he said.

There was cause for concern because Behind Enemy Lines used the violence at the 1968 Democratic National Convention as a cue for Tuesday's events and announced that it would target Chicago police, politicians, delegates and the media.

According to a website for the group, there have been indications of violent tactics. And just a few months ago, members of the organization stormed a DNC volunteer recruitment event.

According to a Chicago police report obtained by ABC7 Chicago I-Team, the intruders “grabbed a microphone” and “shoved” a volunteer as security “attempted to subdue the protesters,” but they all “ran for the exits.”

Behind Enemy Lines disputed CPD's version of events, telling the I-Team, “We did not 'escape,' we were forcibly removed by United Center security personnel.” The group said protesting the DNC and volunteer recruitment event “was the right thing to do.”

The incident was so concerning that the FBI, Secret Service and CPD conducted a threat assessment, citing the group's intent to cause “further disruption of the DNC.”

“We've been practicing how we're going to respond and how we're going to move assets if necessary. So we're going to assess the situation as we go along and be able to move any kind of resources or assets that we need to make sure we keep the situation under control. We're prepared,” Snelling said.

Behind Enemy Lines is the same extremist group that organized a protest at the Art Institute of Chicago last November and burned an American flag at one of its “Stop the DNC” rallies in front of City Hall in March.

Retired CPD Lt. John Garrido has spent decades on the front lines of civil unrest and day-to-day police work. Garrido said Tuesday's unauthorized protest outside the Israeli consulate was more concerning than Monday's fence breach because police had to cover the DNC and another front: downtown.

A statement from the Consulate General of Israel in the Midwest said: “We are appalled by the violence during the protests outside our offices. This is anything but peaceful and is completely contrary to the spirit of the DNC. This vocal minority does not represent the large, bipartisan majority of Americans who strongly support Israel.

“It was incredibly heartwarming to see so many Americans confront this hatred outside our office, reflecting the strong bond between America and Israel.

“We are beyond disappointed by the Mayor’s continued support for anti-Israel protests in Chicago, particularly during the DNC, and his continued disregard for the city’s large pro-Israel and Jewish community.

“Lastly, we are grateful to all the police officers who are protecting the city during the DNC. We applaud their self-sacrifice and countless hours of work to ensure the safety of all Chicagoans.”

A city spokesman said authorities would provide a summary of the protests at a press conference at 11 a.m. CDT on Wednesday.

ABC News contributed to this report.