Chicago’s police chief promised last week that a similar incident to the riots outside the Democratic National Convention in 1968 will not happen in Chicago.
Democrats worry that anti-Israel protests could disrupt their convention, just as they did nearly 60 years ago when Vietnam War opponents violently clashed with police outside the 1968 convention, which was also held in Chicago.
Still, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling assured the public that officers are preparing to deal with expected protests.
Chicago police are preparing for about 50,000 attendees and large-scale protests. ((Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images))
“This is not 1968,” Snelling said. “Our response as the Chicago Police Department is going to be much more measured, much more controlled, because our officers are trained to respond to any level of civil disturbance in the best way possible.”
Chicago watchdog warns police unprepared for protests ahead of Democratic National Convention
Democrats locally and nationally fear the “appearance” of disrespectful or potentially violent protests as President Biden seeks reelection.
“If you’re Biden and the Democrats and the mayor of Chicago, all you want is peace and tranquility and stability,” said Andrew Baer, a history professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Chicago Tribune“We want to avoid any negative image of suppressing protests or of protests embarrassing Biden’s coronation.”
In an editorial Chicago TribuneSnelling acknowledged that police were caught off guard by the “civil unrest” during the 2020 riots. He reported that officers have since been trained in non-violent tactics for dealing with large protests.
Democrats worry that anti-Israel protests could disrupt the convention. (Brian Casella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“Someone asked me recently if I was worried. No, I’m not. It’s a waste of time and energy. Instead, I will use that time and energy for something much more positive: I will plan and I will prepare. Most importantly, I have full faith and confidence in the Police Department, the officers and the people of Chicago,” Snelling wrote. “We all want the same thing: a successful and safe convention. Working together, we can and will make it happen. We are ready.”
Last week, Chicago police officers participated in two days of specialized training on how to respond to assaults and attacks, use body shields, protect the public and rescue injured officers.
Democratic National Convention to be held in Chicago in 2024
All officers have taken part in some form of training in the run up to the August event, but 2,500 officers will undergo “phase one training” specifically geared towards more dangerous incidents.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said officers were receiving training on how to deal with protesters ahead of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Democratic National Convention will be held at the United Center in Chicago from August 19-22 and is expected to attract an estimated 50,000 attendees and large-scale protests.
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Fox News’ Bradford Betts and Ruth Love contributed to this report.
