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Dozens of organizations plan to protest in Chicago, which has
denied permits for demonstrations near the United Center
convention site.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, an Eastern Illinois
University graduate, was scheduled to tour convention venues in
Chicago and Milwaukee, which will host the Republican National
Convention in July.
“Each city is unique and different, the venues are different,
the schedule of events are different, so there are going to be
differences that you are going to see between each convention,
but for us, security and the security plan remains the same,”
said Cheatle.
A recent inquiry by Chicago’s Office of Inspector General
expressed concern that current police tactics by the Chicago
Police Department could infringe on First and Fourth Amendment
rights as they attempt to handle unruly crowds.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling says about 3,000
officers are undergoing specialized training to respond to civil
unrest and possible riots.
“Even if it’s not an act of violence and it appears peaceful but
it is a violation of the law, blocking roadways, blocking
venues, things of that nature, we will declare mass arrests in
those situations,” said Snelling.
Snelling added that any preparations now in place remain fluid,
so law enforcement agencies will look at any threats that pop up
and address those in planning for DNC security.
The Democratic National Convention will be held Aug. 19-22 at
the United Center.
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