Representative Jared Moskowitz suggested Iran could be at play during noisy protests outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.
“Everyone has the right to protest, but there are also professional agitators involved,” he told DailyMail.com after pro-Gaza protesters at one point breached the security perimeter.
“We know that the Iranians are paying people to do this. How come they didn’t protest at the other convention, but here? So, look, this is an extension of the protests on college campuses.”
The Florida Democrat has been one of the staunchest defenders of Israel from the left at a time when Middle East policy has caused a split in the Democratic Party.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz suggested Iran could be at play in the noisy protests outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.
“That doesn’t mean there isn’t suffering in Gaza. It doesn’t mean innocent people haven’t died. I just think it’s Hamas’ fault.”
“I want a ceasefire in exchange for the hostages. Hamas will not accept it because it wants to remain in power. So, look, they have the right to protest. They have no right to violence.”
Moskowitz also dismissed any concerns that a Harris administration would be less friendly to Israel than Joe Biden.
“You know, people are trying to spread the word, but there’s been no change in policy, none. In fact, if you look at the platform, it’s almost identical to what it’s been in the past, the DNC platform.”
“It’s one of the most pro-Israel platforms we’ve ever had, so I don’t expect any change from the vice president on policies toward Israel.”
Chicago police arrested several protesters who tried to breach the security fence, sources on the ground told DailyMail.com on Monday.
Pro-Gaza protests were much milder outside the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee last month.
Meanwhile, President Biden praised the protesters and their cause in his speech Monday night.
“The protesters taking to the streets are right. They are killing a lot of innocent people, on both sides,” he said.
Gaza health authorities say more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive campaign since the Hamas attacks on October 7.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said last month that Tehran-linked groups have posed as activists online, encouraged protests and provided financial support to some protest groups.
“Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive in its foreign influence efforts, seeking to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions,” Haines said.
The police intervention came after thousands of protesters joined the “March to the Democratic National Convention” demonstration, which ended blocks from the United Center arena, where President Joe Biden is expected to speak on Monday night.
Chaos broke out after protesters tore down the first layer of fencing surrounding the convention but became trapped between another layer of fencing.
The activists had nowhere to go and were carefully repelled by the authorities, who made several arrests.
Hundreds of police clashed with thousands of protesters at a pro-Palestinian march to the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
“Protesters breached a portion of the anti-escalation fence along the outer perimeter of the Democratic National Convention near the United Center on August 19,” the Chicago Police Department wrote in a statement Monday.
‘Law enforcement personnel immediately responded to the scene and contained the situation. At no time was the perimeter breached and there was no threat to any of the protected persons.’
“The National Special Security Situations Plan employs a multi-layered approach. Each NSSE plan is unique and includes multiple layers,” the statement continued.
‘One of these redundancies includes the outer perimeter fence, which was erected to prevent entry to the inner perimeter.’
‘The Chicago Police Department remains on scene and is working to clear the area.’
Police formed ranks to eventually drive the protesters out of the park.
Protesters tore down the DNC’s outermost barricade and invaded the area before being repelled by authorities.
Chicago police watch protesters gathered during the Democratic National Convention on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Multiple protests are planned during the Democratic National Convention, which will be held at the United Center from August 19-22.
The police action came after most of the protesters had returned to the starting point of the event.
The remaining activists, many of them wearing N-95 masks, black glasses and other clothing to conceal their identities, stayed and shouted at the CPD.
Some activists threw debris over the fence where the police were stationed: broken wooden handles from signs, water bottles and trash.
A long row of black fences ran along the southern edge of a park just blocks from the United Center and quickly became the focus of protesters’ outrage.
By violently shaking the barricade back and forth, the activists managed to dislodge parts of it and, through these holes in the barricade, climbed into a protective space of about 20 feet before another line of fencing.
It was in this in-between space that many of the pro-Palestine and anti-DNC protesters linked arms and began chanting.
The police responded by quickly sending about a hundred men before lining up to disperse the unruly newcomers.
After standing firm for a few minutes, the police began to slowly advance towards the activists who were arm in arm.
Protesters often fled from the police when they were surrounded.
Police distribute signs calling on anti-DNC protesters to disperse
Police officers wearing riot gear such as visors forced the activists to leave the park.
Shortly after law enforcement began to act, protesters began to flee, some running for fear of being arrested or apprehended.
After protesters were cleared from the DNC security perimeter, police began replacing some of the dislodged fencing pieces and officers regrouped.
As some continued to shout at the police, although they were far fewer in number than before, police began to surround the remaining protesters in the park before driving them away.
Eventually, police began distributing flyers stating that the Chicago Police Department had ordered recipients to “disperse.”