CHICAGO: As Chicago prepares to host the Democratic National Convention, security services are on high alert for a range of potential threats, including violent protests and lone wolf attacks potentially linked to recent political violence.
Chicago, with a history of political gatherings dating back to Abraham Lincoln’s nomination in 1860, is gearing up for its 26th national convention next week, which is expected to be one of the most secure in its history. Over 50,000 activists are anticipated to gather downtown for the four-day event celebrating the Democratic Party’s new leader, Vice President Kamala Harris.
The convention will feature a range of high-profile participants, including President Joe Biden, musicians, and Hollywood stars. To ensure safety, the Secret Service, FBI, and local police have spent a year meticulously planning an extensive security perimeter around the United Center arena.
Lucas Rothaar, the FBI’s chief special agent in Chicago, addressed the press, noting that while there are no specific threats identified, the overall threat level is elevated. “We are aware of the wide range of threats we face, including violent crime, international and domestic terrorism, hate crimes, and more,” Rothaar said.
The assassination attempt on Republican candidate Donald Trump on July 13, which left him injured, has intensified scrutiny of security measures. The Secret Service faced criticism for inadequate security at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the attack occurred.
Although the shooting was not clearly politically motivated, federal and state intelligence assessments have highlighted the risk of “retaliatory acts of violence” at the Democratic convention. The report, obtained by media outlets including ABC7 Chicago and CNN, emphasizes the threat posed by “lone offenders” with anti-government, political, or ideological grievances.
Security plans for the convention account for both potential large-scale violence and individual acts, including those arising from protests. Nationwide demonstrations against the Biden administration’s role in Israel’s military actions in Gaza have sparked fears of a repeat of the 1968 Democratic convention, which saw significant clashes between police and anti-Vietnam War protesters.
Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have already faced disruptions from pro-Palestinian activists at campaign events in Michigan and San Francisco. Additionally, the Abandon Biden movement will hold its own convention in Chicago on Sunday and Monday, aiming to bring together “leaders and people of conscience from across the nation” to discuss actions against the Biden-Harris administration’s policies on Palestinians, though their event is focused on discussion rather than protests.
