Chicago DNC 2024 security measures announced by Secret Service, CPD
CHICAGO - Top Chicago and federal law enforcement officials laid out safety plans Thursday for the Democratic National Convention taking place next month.
The Secret Service, alongside CPD Supt. Larry Snelling, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, held a news conference to release the comprehensive safety maps and other security measures for the convention, which is being held at the United Center from Aug. 19-22.
A security perimeter will be set up around both the United Center and McCormick Place from Aug. 17-23.
"We all should take great comfort in having such a sizable and hardworking and skilled force dedicated solely to our safety and security, mapping out truly every detail and logistic at convention sites across the city. With these comprehensive public safety plans and security measures, we should sleep soundly knowing how much preparation has been done," Pritzker said.
The United States Secret Service released two maps, showing restrictions surrounding both convention venues that were broken down into two perimeters: vehicle screening and pedestrian restricted.
From the Secret Service:
Vehicle Screening Perimeter: Residences and businesses inside the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be accessible to the public. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to freely enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter from any area. Vehicles will be permitted to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, though they must enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked with checkmarks on the map. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will be permitted in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter; drivers will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point.
Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter: The Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter will be accessible only to credentialed or ticketed individuals, such as convention attendees or volunteers. Pedestrians must enter through one of the pedestrian checkpoints, which will be marked on an attendee-specific map distributed to credentialed individuals. Personal vehicles, as well as bicycles and small scooters, will not be permitted inside the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will not be permitted in the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter.
A complete list of road closures, parking restrictions and other security measures will be available at the Chicago OEMC website.
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Chicago DNC 2024: Everything you need to know
The Democratic National Convention returns to Chicago this August for the first time in 28 years to decide one half of a pivotal presidential election.
How will law enforcement handle unruly DNC protests?
Snelling had a direct message to those who plan to protest outside the Democratic National Convention in August: the First Amendment only protects you if you don’t break the law.
"Peaceful protest does not necessarily mean that someone is exercising their First Amendment rights," Snelling said at a joint Press Conference with US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. "First Amendment protection is only there if you’re not committing a crime. You can be acting out peacefully and still breaking the law. If you sit in a roadway, or you’re blocking a venue, or private property and you refuse to leave, those are crimes."
Already, 65-plus organizations in Chicago and elsewhere have formed a coalition to "March on the DNC" when it opens there on Aug. 19. Activists have sued in federal court, alleging First Amendment violations because the city has only offered permits for demonstrations miles from the United Center.
Protesters preparing for the convention have vowed to march on it anyway, raising the specter of clashes with police that could further divide the Democratic base.
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Cook County to open additional court facility for possible 'multiple arrests' during DNC
The Circuit Court of Cook County will open an additional temporary court facility in preparation for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) scheduled to take place in Chicago in mid-August.
Cook County to open additional court facility for possible 'multiple arrests' during DNC
The Circuit Court of Cook County will open an additional temporary court facility in preparation for the DNC.
Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans said this week that the court has made extensive preparations to manage an anticipated increase in court proceedings in case multiple arrests occur during the convention.
Evans stated that, along with staffing and equipping a temporary additional court facility, dozens of judges have cleared their civil and criminal court calendars of non-essential proceedings. This measure ensures that they can assist with the potential increase in criminal cases during the convention.
"We have been meeting for weeks with more than 50 people from county, city, state, and federal agencies to prepare for the possibility of multiple arrests. We want to make sure the police are able to focus on providing security and that the rights of arrested individuals are scrupulously respected," Chief Judge Evans said. "We thank our fellow government officials and our court staff for their continued cooperation in this important endeavor."
The court expects that most cases will continue to be handled by judges currently serving in the Pretrial and Criminal Divisions. However, if the Chicago Police Department (CPD) notifies the court of multiple arrests, the court is prepared to use a portion of its former facility on West Belmont Avenue to conduct hearings for individuals who need to appear before a judge. The temporary court facility will be open from 8 a.m. until midnight.
In addition to the judges assigned to the Criminal and Pretrial Divisions, 57 other judges have been trained on the requirements of the Pretrial Fairness Act. These judges will be available to hear cases at the West Belmont Avenue facility or the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, if necessary.