Current:Home > ContactChicago police chief says out-of-town police won’t be posted in city neighborhoods during DNC -Wealth Evolution Experts
Chicago police chief says out-of-town police won’t be posted in city neighborhoods during DNC
View
Date:2025-04-15 12:35:51
CHICAGO (AP) — Outside police agencies that’ll help secure the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month will not be posted in city neighborhoods, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said Thursday as federal authorities released maps of convention security perimeters.
The renewed attention on out-of-town police comes after Ohio officers in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention earlier this month fatally shot a man at a park not far from the downtown convention site.
As many as 500 officers, mostly from Illinois agencies, will travel to Chicago to boost DNC security. They’ll be directing traffic and working at the numerous checkpoints around the convention sites of the United Center and McCormick Place.
“This will free up our officers, our Chicago police officers, to be in more volatile areas,” Snelling said at a news conference with the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and city leaders. “We can’t have a successful Democratic National Convention, if we’re not protecting the entire city as a whole.”
All Chicago police officers have received training related to constitutional policing ahead of the convention. Snelling said those coming to Chicago for the convention will receive 8 to 12 hours on city policies and expectations.
Residents in the nation’s third-largest city are bracing for the convention which is expected to draw roughly 50,000 visitors. Convention planners have been scrambling to accommodate a new nominee since President Joe Biden’s announcement that he was dropping out of the race. Momentum has been building for Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee.
But Snelling said no changes have been made to the security plan. The maps outline the security perimeters, including streets that will be closed to traffic.
Federal law enforcement agencies said they have been preparing for over a year. Lucas Rothaar, FBI Chicago Acting Special Agent in Charge, said no known threats have been made related to the convention. The U.S. Secret Service reiterated its safety blueprint ahead of the RNC, which came just after the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, and again on Thursday.
“We have reviewed the security plan for the DNC and remain confident,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge Derek Mayer.
Protests in Chicago are expected to be bigger and more spread out than in Milwaukee, where the largest event drew roughly 1,000 attendees downtown and there were few arrests. Chicago police have changed their mass arrest policy while the Circuit Court of Cook County said it’s making adjustments like opening an extra facility in case of mass arrests.
What to know about the 2024 Election
- Read the latest: Follow AP’s live coverage of this year’s election.
- We want to hear from you: How did you first learn that President Biden was dropping out of the race and where did you turn to for your news?
- Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since 2020. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
- AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
- Stay informed. Keep your pulse on the news with breaking news email alerts. Sign up here.
Activists have been at odds with the city over where they can demonstrate, rejecting city plans to put them near a lakefront park roughly 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) from the West Side convention site. But in recent weeks, both sides have been in talks for a closer location.
Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom Hardy said Thursday that details were being finalized to allow protests “within sight and sound of the United Center.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city is prepared for the “historic convention” in all aspects from security to beautification projects like planting flowers and painting light poles. Chicago has also made a controversial decision to move a homeless encampment ahead of the convention.
“Let me state this unequivocally,” he said. “Chicago is ready.”
veryGood! (8)
Related
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- SUV crashes into Wimbledon girls school in London, killing one child and wounding others
- Hong Kong police arrest 4, accusing them of supporting pro-democracy leaders overseas
- Body found floating in Canadian river in 1975 identified as prominent U.S. businesswoman Jewell Lalla Langford
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Severed human leg found hanging from bridge, other body parts strewn across city in Mexico with messages signed by cartel
- Israel's energy minister couldn't enter COP26 because of wheelchair inaccessibility
- See Denise Richards on Rare Outing With Lookalike Daughter Lola Sheen
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- The Personal Reason Why Taraji P. Henson Is So Open About Her Mental Health
Ranking
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Fighting Fires and Family Secrets
- Why Christmas trees may be harder to find this year (and what you can do about it)
- Baby Foot Is the 1 Thing You Need To Get Your Feet Sandal-Ready for Spring and It’s on Sale Right Now
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Hilary Swank Gives Birth, Welcomes Twins With Husband Philip Schneider
- Nations with 85% of Earth's forests pledge to reverse deforestation
- Here's Why So Many of Your Favorite TV Shows Are Ending Early
Recommendation
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
This Colorado 'solar garden' is literally a farm under solar panels
Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Hinted at Joe Alwyn Breakup on The Eras Tour
U.S. and China announce surprise climate agreement at COP26 summit
New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
ABBA Guitarist Lasse Wellander Dead at 70 After Cancer Battle
Succession Takes Shocking Turn With Death of Major Character
Biden meets U.K. PM Sunak in London and has a sit-down with King Charles before heading for a NATO summit