The Secret Service, along with local police, is taking extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of locations for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, as well as the delegates, residents, and participants in protests scheduled for this week.
Chicago police are primarily responsible for the protection of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods, regardless of the DNC event. While some backup will arrive from neighboring departments, including those from Milwaukee, local law enforcement officials have confirmed that the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is working 12-hour shifts to manage both the convention and community policing.
The U.S. Secret Service is tasked with securing convention venues, delegates, party officials, and candidates. They are deploying hundreds of federal agents, including specialized teams from agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which will have bomb-detecting K-9 units and explosives technicians ready for quick response.
“We’re bringing in 10 canines to the DNC, and their job is to search for unattended baggage or suspicious packages left behind,” stated Kurt Bentley, a K-9 handler with ATF-Chicago.
Given that the DNC in Chicago is designated as a National Special Security Event, it is being treated as a potential target for terrorism or criminal activity, prompting enhanced security measures. Attendees entering restricted areas will be screened by Department of Defense K-9s according to ATF-Chicago’s Dan Durkin.
On the night before the DNC, the coordinated security efforts are evident. “We have hand tools and all other necessary equipment to manage any situation,” noted ATF-Chicago Special Agent Anthony Zito.
In addition to the United Center, where screening occurs for buses and vehicles, similar security protocols are in place at McCormick Place, the main venue for DNC meetings. U.S. Coast Guard teams are also patrolling the nearby lake.
The Secret Service is at the helm of these operations, ensuring high levels of security in the wake of a recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Derek Mayer from the Secret Service emphasized that their planning and coordination have been underway since April 2023.
As for crowd control during allowed protests, Chicago police plan to station officers and bike units along the protest routes, along with city snow plows for managing traffic and crowd control. CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed their commitment to protecting individuals exercising their First Amendment rights, while also warning against any violent behavior.
Additionally, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced the readiness of 250 Illinois National Guard military police, although their deployment is not anticipated unless necessary. Their role would include managing street closures and traffic to relieve local police.
As a precaution, some businesses in downtown Chicago have taken measures such as boarding up windows to guard against potential vandalism or looting, although most storefronts remain open with visible police presence along Michigan Avenue during protests.