Law enforcement officials in Chicago are expressing confidence in their security measures ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month.
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, some have expressed concern about security after seeming lapses at Trump’s rally. Chicago is set to host the DNC from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.
“I’ve said this over and over again: We have been preparing for this DNC since we found out that we were going to be a host city. And all of the incidents that could occur, we’re accounting for those things, and we’re making sure that we’re training around those things,” Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said Monday at a news conference.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Snelling said he had been in contact with law enforcement in Milwaukee as the city hosts the Republican National Convention there this week. The law enforcement agencies of Milwaukee and Chicago have been in steady contact as both cities prepare for and host the conventions.
He also said CPD has a strong relationship with the Secret Service, noting that moments like the one that unfolded at Trump’s rally are “predictable” but “preventable.”
“Our relationship with the Secret Service has been stellar. It’s been 100% professional. Our communication is right on point,” Snelling said. “I can tell you the contact and the collaboration between not only the Secret Service but all of our federal partners around the planning of the DNC has been great.”
“Now, can we train for every single possible thing that could absolutely happen? No, but what I will tell you is those things that we know, those things that are predictable, they’re also preventable,” Snelling said.
Last month, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle also expressed confidence in security at the DNC, emphasizing its relationship with CPD like Snelling did.
“We’ve got a tremendous working relationship with Chicago police, as well as a multitude of other agencies, both local and federal, that will be contributing to this whole-of-government approach that we’re taking,” Cheatle said.
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For the Democrats’ convention, CPD will be tasked with handling protesters outside the DNC as well as doing day-to-day tasks throughout Chicago. Other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Illinois State Police, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, will assist with security at the DNC.
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, is set to host most of the convention’s events.