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CHICAGO — The city is on high alert with 12,000 police officers prepared, according to the Secret Service and city leaders. However, the sentiments aren’t as confident among the local populace.
This week’s Democratic National Convention is anticipated to draw around 50,000 attendees including delegates, politicians, and activists. This influx is expected to be accompanied by significant protests, with thousands of demonstrators projected to take to the streets.
Preparatory measures such as fences, barricades, and strategically parked snow plows have already hindered mobility in key areas around downtown, while helicopters patrol the skies. This heightened security setup has prompted frustrations from local business owners concerned about potential declines in foot traffic and sales. The visual presence of these measures has led some visitors and residents, including tourist Kai Lei, a dentist from Great Falls, Montana, to question if such extensive precautions are warranted, decrying them as “a bit barbaric.”
Amid global tensions including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and recent incidents like the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and disruptions during the Paris Olympics, security remains a top concern. Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to accept her party’s nomination at the event.
Sunday saw a smaller group of protesters advocating for various causes, including Palestinian rights, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ rights, as they marched down Michigan Avenue. Despite their numbers, they were heavily flanked by police. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside the police department, has expressed a zero-tolerance stance toward any chaos stemming from protests, despite his historical ties to activist movements.
Chicago has a long history of hosting political conventions, but the memories of the 1968 Democratic convention, marred by violent clashes, remain vivid for many. In light of past and potential unrest, the city has imposed strict permit requirements on protests, influencing when and where demonstrations can occur.
While the bulk of the convention activities, including major speeches, are set at McCormick Place and the United Center, the extensive security measures resemble those seen at last month’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Road closures, vehicle screenings, and TSA-like checks are in place, affecting local businesses and daily routines.
Despite the challenges, some businesses near convention hotspots are preparing for an uptick in activity, hoping the influx of visitors will outweigh the inconveniences. Meanwhile, community members express mixed feelings, with some fearing a repeat of past disruptions like the ones seen during the riots following George Floyd’s murder.
With additional protests planned, city officials stress the importance of striking a balance between upholding public safety and respecting the rights to free speech and assembly, with a readiness to act against any disruptions.
As the city gears up for the convention, the broader community braces itself, some businesses opting to close temporarily, prioritizing safety in uncertain times. Concerns linger about potential violence, with memories of recent tumultuous events still fresh, prompting a cautious approach from residents and business owners alike.