U.S. Security Forces Establish ‘Steel Ring’ for Democratic National Convention
Chicago police are intensifying security and preparing to respond to any threats during the four-day Democratic National Convention (DNC) to be held in the city.
Officials in Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S., have announced that the upcoming 26th Democratic National Convention will be one of the most heavily secured events in the country. The convention is scheduled to take place from August 19-22 and is expected to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris to represent the Democratic Party in the upcoming November presidential election.
High-profile figures such as President Joe Biden, musicians, and Hollywood stars are expected to attend the convention. However, more than 50,000 activists opposing the Democratic Party and President Biden’s agenda are also expected to converge on Chicago, Illinois.
The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Chicago police have spent a year planning the establishment of a “steel ring” around the United Center stadium in downtown Chicago, where the convention will take place.
Lucas Rothaar, who oversees the FBI in Chicago, acknowledged, “We are facing multiple significant threats, ranging from violent crime to international terrorism, domestic terrorism, hate crimes, and numerous other risks.” However, the FBI has not identified any specific threats to the event at this time.
The Democratic National Convention is drawing increased attention following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13, just before the Republican National Convention. The U.S. Secret Service faced criticism for failing to ensure security at Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman grazed Trump’s ear with a shot.
While there is no evidence to suggest the assassination attempt was politically motivated, federal law enforcement intelligence reports have highlighted the possibility of “violent retaliation” at the Democratic Convention.
According to U.S. media, one of the most significant threats is from “lone offenders” who act out of dissatisfaction with the government, political disagreements, or other ideological issues. Security forces for the convention are also preparing for the potential for widespread violence, including large-scale protests.
Recent nationwide protests against Biden’s policies in Israel’s conflict in Gaza have raised concerns. Both Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, had their campaign events disrupted in Michigan and San Francisco by pro-Palestinian activists.
The anti-war movement “Abandon Biden” held meetings in Chicago on August 18 and 19, vowing to take decisive action against the Biden-Harris administration for what they perceive as a failure to protect innocent Palestinians.
Chicago authorities have rescheduled the work of dozens of judges and opened a temporary court to handle potential mass arrests during the convention.
Compared to President Biden, Vice President Harris has taken a tougher stance on Israel, calling for an immediate ceasefire and pledging “not to remain silent” about the suffering of Palestinians. However, Chicago officials are concerned that protests against the Gaza conflict could draw as many as 25,000 participants.
Tom Carney, a commissioner with the Chicago Department of Transportation, stated that about 2,500 city police officers, supported by hundreds of officers from neighboring areas, will be deployed to secure the convention.
Chicago Police Chief Larry Snelling emphasized that the police are trained to respect the right to free speech of protesters, but he added, “We will not tolerate vandalism” during the Democratic National Convention.
