CHICAGO is tightening security ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Democratic National Convention, and some unexpected items will be banned from the arena due to the risk of massive protests.
The Illinois city has introduced strict vehicle checks and a list of prohibited items to prepare for thousands of protesters.
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The 2024 Democratic National Convention will be held Monday, August 19, through Thursday, August 22, at the United Center and McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
According to NBC Chicago, most events, including major speeches, will take place at the United Center.
The arena is located in Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood. Significant street closures and traffic delays are expected.
McCormick Place will host several other DNC events. It is located south of downtown and just east of Chicago’s Chinatown district.
According to Fox 32, the US Secret Service has banned a number of items from entering the DNC’s secure area.
Prohibited items at the DNC
- Aerosols
- ammunition
- Animals (except service animals)
- Backpacks and bags whose size exceeds the restrictions
- Balloons
- Bicycles
- cooler
- Drones and other unmanned aerial systems
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Glass, thermos or metal containers
- Laser pointer
- Pepper spray
- Packages
- Signs that exceed the size limit (20’x3’x1/4″)
- Buildings
- Holders for signs and posters
- Toy guns
- Weapons of any kind
- Any other items considered a potential safety hazard
Law enforcement officials said they had been preparing for the major event for over a year, long before the July 13 assassination attempt on Donald Trump, which led to a massive increase in security at the Republican National Convention.
“This planning, which required the help of our federal, state and local partners, involved thousands of hours of analysis, training and collaboration with the public to develop a comprehensive security plan that was released last month,” Secret Service Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derek Mayer told NBC affiliate WMAQ.
According to Mayer, the event was a “national security event of particular importance.”
Both the city and security authorities worked hand in hand to prepare the spectacle.
“I am proud to tell you that we are ready,” Mayer said.
“While the DNC is obviously a huge event, Chicago has a proven track record when it comes to hosting huge events.”
The special agent boasted about the strength of the Chicago police and the help they received from all agencies.
“The Chicago Police Department is one of 17 public safety agencies, including the Secret Service, that serve on the Executive Steering Committee,” Mayer said.
“This committee oversaw the development of the DNC’s security plan and included input from experts on topics such as national intelligence, airspace, security, traffic control and more.”
“In our preparation and planning, we took into account both planned and spontaneous demonstrations,” said Mayer.
“The Secret Service and our federal, state and local partners respect the First Amendment rights of every American. Superintendent Snelling and the Chicago Police Department are well equipped to handle the protests and ensure the safety of everyone during the DNC.”
What is the DNC?
The Democratic Party Convention is intended to celebrate the official nomination of Harris as the Democratic candidate. The convention will feature speeches from important members of the Democratic Party such as Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
The DNC will be held August 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.
PLANNED PROTESTS
The increased security measures come against the backdrop of thousands of people planning to protest against the four-day congress.
One area in the city is even considered the “city’s own speaker platform” and will be equipped with a stage and speakers provided by the city.
Two additional areas will be set up as special protest zones where demonstrators can speak freely.
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Several protests have already been announced and are being organized by organizations such as the Poor People’s Army, the Illinois Policy Institute and the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
The Coalition to March on the DNC is also planning two protests for the opening and closing days of the convention.
CONVENTION TO REMEMBER
This year’s DNC is already different from previous conventions.
Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz were already nominated as the party’s candidates in a vote earlier this month.
The week will begin with a speech by President Biden, who, according to Yahoo News, is the first president since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 not to run for re-election and the only president to surrender his party’s nomination after winning the primaries.
Biden, the original Democratic nominee but replaced by Harris, is expected to tout his relationship with Harris and enthusiastically support his surrogate.
Hillary and Bill Clinton are also expected to speak with former President Barack Obama during the convention; all three have publicly endorsed Harris for president.
