Convention Unrest
On the eve of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) proceedings, protestors marched in Chicago and crashed the DNC Welcome Party at the Navy Pier. The games have begun…
The 2024 Republican National Convention was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15 to the 18th. Donald Trump was confirmed as the Republican Presidential nominee, and JD Vance was named the Vice Presidential pick. Thousands of protestors marched nearby, but their actions were largely infrequent and peaceful, with minimal impact on the event.
Today, the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins in Chicago, Illinois, and will run from August 19 to 22nd. The Democratic Presidential contender expected to be confirmed this week is Kamala Harris; her running mate-to-be Tim Walz.
Unfortunately, the protestor element is much larger than the prior convention. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) predicts over 100,000 will take to the streets, dwarfing their resources. Over 500 officers from surrounding cities and out-of-state have been deputized to assist. The Illinois National Guard has been stationed in the metropolitan area as a backup quick response force.
Two moth-balled courtrooms at Belmont and Western have been opened, over fifty Cook County judges have cleared their calendars to be available to hear cases, and a large complex will serve as a processing center for mass arrests.
Businesses have boarded up their windows; many have even closed or asked employees to work from home when feasible. High fences surround the United Center and McCormick Place; barricades block nearby facilities. Roads are closed or designated only for special guests/speakers or security use. In concert with the Secret Service, Chicago OEMC, Emergency Management Operations, has designed extensive security plans. There is even a convenient app to facilitate information transmission to citizens.
To add to the chaos, an additional 20–25,000 illegal immigrants may be bussed into the city this week, straining city resources.
Chicago has a history of unparalleled riots associated with the 1968 DNC. This unrest lasted over a week with about 10,000 activists. Will we see this again?
2024 DNC protests are nationally coordinated with electronic messaging, apps, and antagonists busing in from around the nation. (Note: this information does not confirm endorsement of the activity).
Hopefully, the First Amendment marches will be peaceful, unrest can be safely contained, and no major incidents or injuries will occur. History reminds us otherwise, but we shall see how this week unfolds.
We had the pleasure of visiting the great city of Chicago a few weeks ago, and we wish her well. Are you in Chicago, or do you have family in the area? What are your preparations for the DNC traffic interruptions and potential violence?
You can follow the Author on her Website or X (formerly Twitter).
