(The Center Square) – Chicago’s police superintendent has updated plans for the Democratic National Convention after the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
Superintendent Larry Snelling said an additional 500 officers will be in the city for the DNC.
“So this will help us free up our Chicago Police officers to make sure that they’re available to respond to any crimes that are happening outside of the DNC footprint,” Snelling said.
Snelling was asked if the assassination attempt against the former president would prompt Snelling to ask for additional resources on top of the $75 million in taxpayer funds already provided by the federal government.
“Our planning around this is simply about safety: safety for everyone in the city. So, right now, I don’t think this is the time to start looking at the need for more resources,” Snelling said.
When asked about dealing with protesters, Snelling said officers' training is rooted in the First and Fourth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
Police have been preparing for months along with the Secret Service and other federal agencies for the convention, which is scheduled from Aug 19-22.
Snelling said his department’s collaboration with the Secret Service has been great.
“One thing that we don’t do here is second guess what the Secret Service’s plans are,” Snelling stated.
The superintendent said his department has not had communications issues with the Secret Service like the ones reported in Pennsylvania before the assassination attempt against Trump.
“So we have been planning for these types of things, and I can say that our partnership with the Secret Service has been extremely strong,” Snelling said.
This year marks the 12th time Chicago has hosted the DNC.
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