Democratic lawmakers have quietly expressed concerns about their safety ahead of expected large-scale protests at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Axios reports.
1 Member of the House of Representatives said The media outlet reported that the lawmakers were “deeply concerned” about their own safety and security, and said that they shared the concerns of others attending the event, which is due to begin on Monday.
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A senior Democratic lawmaker said law enforcement officials were advising lawmakers “not to go to certain areas because violence is expected.”
The rally is expected to draw tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters, according to Axios.
“The protesters are not staying at the designated protest locations… and there are people who are actually trying to create trouble,” the High Representative said.
Another lawmaker told the outlet that members of Congress have been instructed not to book hotel rooms under their real names because hotels are “receiving random phone calls asking who is staying there.”
The US Secret Service is providing security for the event, but is reportedly “working with all levels of law enforcement,” including Capitol Police and Chicago Police.
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Hundreds of police officers are heading to Chicago to help with increased security, and Chicago Police Chief Larry Snelling said, “Our plan is to ensure the safety of everyone in the city, and we are hopeful that this plan will be successful.”
Several Democratic lawmakers have expressed doubt that there is much they can do other than trust that the Secret Service will adequately secure the convention.
“What can we do?” one representative said.
“You have to trust that the DNC has a solution,” another said.
local Businesses have already begun boarding up their storefronts downtown, with one store owner saying “this city has a poor track record when it comes to protecting businesses,” Breitbart News reported.
