Preparations are underway for next week’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago as law enforcement anticipates large demonstrations planned around the big event.
High-profile Democrats, credentialed media, and delegates will attend the DNC which kicks off on Monday, Aug. 19, and lasts through Thursday, Aug. 22. The event will be held at the United Center and McCormick Place.
A total of 50,000 people will attend the convention. This includes 5,000 delegates representing all 50 states and U.S. territories and 15,000 members of the media. Only credentialed delegates, guests, and media can attend the event in person. In addition to DNC participants, tens of thousands of protestors are expected to flood city streets in several planned demonstrations near the venue throughout the week.
Beefed Up Security
Extensive street closures, parking restrictions, and security measures are already in place near the venue. Barricades have been set up around the perimeter of the United Center, officials said. More than 500 police officers from departments across Illinois will provide security for the event, according to city officials.
Among new security resources assisting law enforcement is a dual-engine, 429 helicopter that will assist in security for the DNC “capable of cruising at 174 miles per hour,” Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said while unveiling the new aircraft in a press conference on Friday.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of this helicopter in our public safety efforts during the DNC during years to come,” Snelling said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the helicopter will be helpful in monitoring crowds and large-scale events.
“Chicago is a pro at hosting conventions,” Johnson said, adding that the city has been preparing for the event since it was announced.
The mayor also said that the city closely collaborated with federal partners to keep residents and visitors protected and there are “layers of safety plans” in place.
In addition, the U.S. Secret Service has been canvassing neighborhoods and businesses ahead of the big event, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
Planned Protests
The organization called “Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws” has promoted a pre-convention march at 5 p.m. Sunday at the intersections of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.
The group’s website states, “We demand national legislation to expand access to abortion, support families, and defend the rights of trans and queer people.” It also calls for the U.S. not to fund the Israel-Hamas war.
City officials expect the biggest marches to come on Monday and Thursday of the DNC when the “Coalition to March on the DNC” will hold its demonstrations starting at Union Park. The march involves more than 125 organizations, according to the group.
“The March on the DNC will be a march for Palestine!” the website states.
The coalition challenged the city in a months-long battle over the route of the march, which activists claimed was too short for the tens of thousands of its participants. A judge ultimately ruled that the march route was sufficient. City officials have agreed to allow the group to set up a stage, sound systems, and portable toilets in a park near the United Center.
Why Chicago?
Chicago was chosen as the site of this year’s DNC because it is a “union city” and part of the Democrat stronghold that led to a Biden-Harris victory in 2020, according to the DNC website. “Chicago is proof that our city and state’s policies deliver for American families, from a higher minimum wage to green energy production to voting rights and equality.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will formally accept the party’s nomination for president and vice president at the convention during a ceremonial roll call of delegates. High-profile Democrats such as President Joe Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are expected to headline the DNC.
Republicans held their own convention last month in Milwaukee.