CHICAGO − The city’s 12,000 police officers claim they are prepared. The Secret Service asserts readiness as well. Local officials believe they are equipped for the event. However, residents may not share the same confidence.

This week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago is expected to attract around 50,000 delegates, elected officials, and party supporters, alongside potentially tens of thousands of protesters in the streets.

Authorities have already set up fences, barricades, and even parked snow plows to restrict access to major areas downtown, with helicopters patrolling the skies. Frustrated business owners fear a hit to their sales, while some residents and tourists feel the heightened security measures are excessive.

Tourist Kai Lei, 29, voiced his concerns on Saturday, questioning the necessity of such extensive precautions. A dentist from Great Falls, Montana, visiting family, he expressed that the security presence felt a bit excessive.

“I get that there are safety issues to consider, but it looks pretty chaotic,” Lei remarked.

A Turbulent Background

The convention takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and follows the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13, along with instances of mass-transit disruption during the Paris Olympics. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to officially accept the party’s nomination on Thursday.

As the convention approaches, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has joined forces with police to declare that any anarchic behavior from protesters will not be tolerated. Johnson, a former union organizer, rose to power with the backing of activist groups that are planning to demonstrate. Several prominent union leaders have continued to support these groups in their protests against Democratic leaders.

“Let me make it perfectly clear: Chicago is prepared to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention,” stated John Robertson, the city’s chief operating officer, last week. “We are here to showcase that Chicago can excel. We aim to demonstrate that we can facilitate the most democratic of events  while accommodating freedom of expression as protected by our First and Fourth Amendment rights.”

Chicago has hosted 25 nominating conventions since 1860, more than any other city, yet many activists still vividly recall the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention. That event saw protestors, upset about the Vietnam War, violently confront city police and the Illinois National Guard, resulting in numerous injuries.

This year, activist groups are requesting more flexibility from city officials for their protests, claiming that the city is unlawfully restricting their constitutional rights. Officials have mandated that large groups obtain permits to march, confine the marches to specific streets, and limit their use of parks and other public venues for demonstrations.

The city is uncertain about the number of demonstrators expected, but preliminary permit requests indicate that up to 6,000 might march on Monday, as reported in court documents. Organizers predict the actual number will be close to 10,000.

At the Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco restaurant on Saturday, local residents Maida Contreras and Jackie Martinez expressed their hope that the city is fully prepared.

“I’ve already warned my family, ‘don’t even think about popping over,'” Contreras stated.

Both Contreras and Martinez expressed concern over potential chaos and destruction, referencing the devastation witnessed throughout the city during the protests following George Floyd’s death.

Four years have passed since then.

“This time, I’m more alert,” said Martinez. “It’s troubling to be so near to the convention. We hope everything stays peaceful and there’s no violence or serious incidents.”

A Heavy Security Presence

Parts of the city that are under lockdown include Chicago Avenue near North Michigan Avenue’s famous “Magnificent Mile,” the primary shopping district, and the McCormick Place convention center. Numerous police officers, wearing illuminated helmets and riding bicycles, have been patrolling the area after dark, prompting many to take out their cameras.

The convention will have events at the lakefront area Mccormick Place center, featuring significant speeches by Harris, President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the United Center, located five miles to the northwest.

Just like the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, the Democratic convention is designated as a “National Special Security Event,” with the Secret Service managing the security. This status entails extensive road closures, vehicle inspections, and TSA-style screenings near the venues.

The road closures will also affect local businesses hoping to benefit from the influx of visitors. At Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco, located close to the United Center, staff prepared for a surge of convention-goers and even considered biking to work if car security checks took too long.

“We’re staying open,” said cashier Chris Garcia. “We’re thrilled and all set.”

Expected Number of Protesters in Chicago

Marches have been authorized for Sunday evening, all day Monday, and again on Thursday, including groups such as the Coalition for Reproductive Justice and LGBTQ+ Liberation, as well as the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. The city has also set up a “speaker platform” in a park a few blocks from the United Center.

Experts estimate that the Gaza-focused “March on the DNC 2024” will be the largest protest, with plans for marches on both Monday and Thursday, starting from Union Park, which is a few blocks northeast of the United Center. Cook County, which includes Chicago, is home to the largest Palestinian-American community in the U.S.

Organizers of the “March on the DNC” are advocating for the party to put an end to Israel’s actions in Gaza, address mass incarceration issues, and reduce deportations of migrants.

More protests are also anticipated. The group Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, which aims for Democratic leaders to better protect LGBTQ and reproductive rights, is scheduled to march on Sunday evening along Michigan Avenue, where many delegates will be lodging. They expect about 3,000 participants.

For reference, a “March on the RNC” protest in Milwaukee last month was estimated to attract 5,000 people, but only 500 showed up, according to organizers.

City officials are working to carefully balance the demonstrators’ rights with the need to ensure public safety, particularly regarding emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances. The police have stated they are ready to detain anyone obstructing traffic, vandalizing, or causing property damage.

Police Superintendent Snelling reassured residents that officers will patrol the neighborhoods, not just the convention sites. Help from police forces from Milwaukee and other cities will be assisting with security inside the convention.

“It’s important to remember that we have a city to safeguard. The protection extends beyond the venues hosting the Democratic National Convention,” Snelling said. “The Chicago Police Department will be present in all neighborhoods, ensuring their safety.”

To be on the safe side, some businesses will close during the convention, including the upscale Solo Salon with two locations in the West Loop area.

“Many of our staff voiced concerns about parking on the street, potential client cancellations, and our valet company was hesitant due to numerous street closures,” said owner Kristine Singer. “If we can’t operate at full capacity, it makes sense to listen to our team and make a preventive decision.”

Singer recounted the “terrifying violence” experienced in 2020 and wants to avoid jeopardizing her nearly 20-year-old business. She even contemplated boarding up her storefronts as the event approached.

“In the long run, it’s better to be cautious than to regret it later.”