‘Free Palestine’ Bridge Blockers Get Free Bail—And the Democratic Party’s Fundraising Platform Gets a Cut
16th April 2024
Police across the United States arrested dozens of “Free Palestine” protesters Monday as part of a “multi-city economic blockade” targeting major airports, highways, and bridges. Those defendants are set to receive free bail money and legal assistance thanks to an online fundraiser hosted by ActBlue, the Democratic Party’s primary fundraising platform that earns a cut off of each contribution.
The “bail and legal defense fund,” organized by A15 Action and Community Justice Exchange, remains live on ActBlue’s website roughly 24 hours after the protests caused chaos in cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City. The fundraising platform—which is used by President Joe Biden and every major Democratic congressional campaign—earns a 3.95 percent transaction fee each time a donor contributes to the fund, according to its policies.
ActBlue’s website states that its fundraising platform is exclusively available to groups whose “work is not at odds with values including, but not limited to, social equality; women’s rights; LGBTQIA2S+ rights; racial justice; diversity; freedom of speech; disability rights; and respect for scientific inquiry, discovery, and data.”
The link between ActBlue raising funds for activists that deliberately “coordinate[d] to disrupt and blockade economic logistical hubs and the flow of capital” in solidarity with “Palestine” highlights the blurred boundary between the Democratic Party’s anti-Israel faction and its mainstream establishment.
ActBlue did not respond to a request for comment.