Chicago officials, Secret Service give DNC public safety update after another chaotic protest
CHICAGO - City of Chicago officials, alongside the United States Secret Service, will hold a series of daily public safety briefings during the Democratic National Convention.
The convention began Monday and will continue through Thursday, Aug. 22.
Wednesday's briefing comes after reports of 72 arrests outside the Israeli consulate yesterday. On the first day of the DNC a group of protesters tore down security fences near the United Center Monday afternoon.
Officials began installing additional fences at Washington Boulevard and Wood Street about two blocks from the convention. Crews added a second layer of fence and began installing a second story. Additional anchors and locks were added to secure the fence in place.
Peaceful protesters were not connected to DNC fence breach: CPD
Officials provided an update on DNC security Tuesday morning after a protest took a chaotic turn Monday. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said thousands of people gathered to march peacefully outside the United Center and a select few instigators were responsible for the breach.
We will be livestreaming the press conference at 11 a.m. each day in the video player above.
Shared below is the schedule for the public safety briefings and who will be in attendance:
Wednesday, August 21 - 11 a.m.
- Larry Snelling, Superintendent, Chicago Police Department
- Derek Mayer, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service
- Jose Tirado, Executive Director, Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)
Thursday. August 22 - 11 a.m.
- Larry Snelling, Superintendent, Chicago Police Department
- Derek Mayer, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service
- Jose Tirado, Executive Director, Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)
Chicago officials and federal law enforcement leaders have spent the last year putting together an extensive security plan for the duration of the DNC.
One of the main security challenges for the DNC is the tens of thousands of protesters that are set to gather around downtown Chicago, Union Park, and other areas not far from the United Center.