As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaches, Chicago is intensifying security measures by erecting miles of fencing throughout downtown, particularly around the United Center, McCormick Place, and key retail areas like Michigan Avenue.
This fencing is accompanied by road closures and the setup of concrete barriers to manage vehicular traffic, aimed at isolating convention attendees from potential protests.
“The minute that starts, we have to put an end to it,” CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling said. “When people become comfortable committing acts of violence and vandalism, that’s when it turns into a riot.”
In anticipation of possible unrest, many businesses are boarding up their storefronts to protect against damage reminiscent of the riots in 2020.
The Chicago Police Department has trained extensively with various law enforcement agencies for this event and has clearly distinguished between peaceful protests and illegal activities, emphasizing zero tolerance for violence and vandalism during the convention.
