Between possible massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the risk of attacks, the security situation surrounding the Democratic Convention that Chicago is preparing to host is complex and the security services are working to prevent any threat from disrupting the celebrations.
More than 50,000 activists are expected there from Monday to Thursday to celebrate the inauguration of Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the November presidential election.
This 26e edition is expected to be one of the most secure events ever held in the third-largest city in the United States, which is no stranger to major political celebrations.
The FBI, the US Federal Police, the elite Secret Service unit and local police have spent a year developing the extensive security arrangements surrounding the huge sports center where the Democratic grand mass will be held.
The entire elite of the party will be there, starting with President Joe Biden, but also various personalities, including several Hollywood stars.
According to Lucas Rothaar, head of the FBI in Chicago, there is no particular concern, but the event will be held in a “high threat environment.”
“We recognize the broad threats facing our country, from violent crime, to international terrorism, to domestic terrorism (…) and a host of other threats,” he said at a news briefing.
Some 2,500 local police officers – supported by hundreds of reinforcements from elsewhere – will be assigned to security at the event.
The assassination attempt on Republican candidate Donald Trump on July 13 during a campaign rally has sparked strong criticism of the measures taken to ensure the safety of political figures, in a context of strong polarization.
1968 Convention
While the motives of the shooter – shot dead by the Secret Service – remain unclear, American intelligence fears possible “violent acts of reprisal” during the Democratic Convention, according to a report consulted by several American media outlets.
One of the most serious threats could come from “isolated individuals” motivated by anti-government beliefs, political grievances or ideological positions, the document said.
The security system also provides for the risk of more widespread violence, particularly linked to the holding of planned or spontaneous demonstrations.
Several rallies, including to protest Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip supported by the Biden administration, have already been announced by activist organizations.
The 1968 Democratic Convention, also held in Chicago, was rocked by the bloody police crackdown on protests by opponents of the Vietnam War. And fears of similar violence loom large for the 2024 edition.
Arrests
While Kamala Harris has taken a tougher tone toward Israel and vowed not to remain “silent” in the face of civilian suffering in Gaza, the vice president continues to face criticism on the issue and has seen several of her campaign rallies disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.
The “Abandon Biden” campaign, created to punish Joe Biden’s support for Israel at the ballot box, planned to hold its own convention in Chicago on Sunday and Monday, and promised action “against the Biden-Harris administration in response to its failure to protect innocent Palestinians.”
Local organizations are planning rallies of up to 25,000 people, according to local media.
In anticipation of possible violent protests and multiple arrests, the schedules of dozens of judges have been cleared and a temporary court will be opened.
For its part, the Democratic general staff is in contact with leaders of pro-Palestinian organizations to avoid possible clashes.
The City of Chicago said it would ensure that demonstrations could be held within “sight and hearing” of the sports center where the convention will be held.
Law enforcement will focus on protecting protesters’ freedom of expression, said Larry Snelling, a city police official.
But, “what we will not tolerate is vandalizing our city. What we will not tolerate is violence. If we see that, we will put a stop to it quickly.”
