Chicago police increase patrols amid 'threats of violence' stemming from Israel-Hamas war

CHICAGO - Across Illinois, synagogues, Jewish schools, and daycares are increasing security measures amid reports of "threats of violence."

Chicago police are among the many law enforcement agencies who say they are stepping up patrols around these facilities out of an abundance of caution.

Locally, there have been no credible threats, but nationally there has become a growing concern after the terror attacks in Israel.

"We will have an increased uniform police presence across the city, including in our Jewish and Palestinian community areas and at all large gatherings, out of an abundance of caution," Chicago police said in a statement.

The police department added they are paying special attention to synagogues and mosques throughout Chicago, saying it's their "mission to keep all residents and visitors of our city safe."

"The Chicago Police Department mourns for all the innocent victims killed and injured in Israel and Gaza. We also stand with all those affected by this heartbreaking and horrific tragedy, both here in Chicago and across the world. In the face of this horrific situation, we encourage peace and humanity."

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications also said Friday the agency "has not received any actionable threats."

No credible threats were found statewide, either, according to a joint statement issued Friday by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Office of Homeland Security, Illinois State Police and Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The state agencies are "on heightened alert for any threats related to places of worship across the state," the statement said.

"Here in Illinois, we reject those who use violence to instill terror and fear and are committed to ensuring our religious institutions and schools remain safe," Pritzker said.

North suburban police were monitoring social media posts after two Niles North High School students talked Thursday on social media about a bomb at the school and a synagogue in Skokie. No threats were found to be bonafide, Skokie police said.

Some false reports of violent attacks at City Hall and elsewhere in Chicago spread on social media.

Mayor Brandon Johnson cleared the public from City Hall chambers during a special City Council meeting Friday as supporters of Palestine and Israel shouted over each other. The council met for a vote on a controversial resolution condemning Hamas’ attack in Israel, which eventually passed on an overwhelming vote.

On Friday afternoon, some people reported seeing fighter jets along the lakefront and downtown. They sparked some concern on social media, but city officials say the jets were just practicing for the Chicago Bears game on Sunday.

Palestinians fled from northern Gaza Friday after Israel’s military told the some 1 million people living there to evacuate ahead of an anticipated Israeli ground attack.

The war has left at least 2,800 people dead on both sides since Hamas’ surprise attack Oct. 7.

Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.