Thousands of Gaza protesters descend on Chicago for Democratic convention

Protesters march past a police line prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention on Sunday, August 18 in Chicago (Alex Brandon/AP)

Crowds of activists began gathering in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention on Monday, hoping to call attention to issues such as economic injustice, reproductive rights and the war in Gaza.

Protesters say their plans have not changed since President Joe Biden left the race and the party quickly rallied behind vice president Kamala Harris, who will formally accept the Democratic nomination this week.