Secret Service outlines safety plan for Chicago's Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Less than one month before the 2024 Democratic National Convention, leaders from the Secret Service and Chicago Police Department outlined the security measures that will be in place during the big political event.

Derek Mayer, deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service in Chicago, said there will be two perimeters around the United Center and McCormick Place. Vehicles will be subject to a search in the outer zone, and only people with proper credentials will be allowed in the inner zone.

Officials added that, yes, they have kept the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in mind.

“The Secret Service has also been working closely with our counterparts in the Department of Homeland Security and at the White House since the incident took place on July 13 in Butler, Penn.,” Mayer said.

Jeff Burnside, the Secret Service DNC Coordinator, said residents who live near the United Center will have special rules.

“Residents of the Henry Horner Homes will be able to access their homes, and their entry instructions will be communicated directly to them during our canvassing efforts, as well as through efforts by the Chicago Housing Authority,” Burnside said.

Burnside said CTA buses will run their regular hours, but he also warned that riders should expect delays.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said officials must work hard to get the word out.

“It will be absolutely vital — for our collective safety and security, for the minimal disruption to residents’ daily lives, and for the smooth flow of the convention — that we keep the public informed and vigilant,” he said.

Lucas Rothaar, acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Chicago office, offered a cautious note of reassurance.

“At this time, there are no known, articulable threats to the DNC,” he said. “However, as FBI Director Christopher Wray just mentioned yesterday in his testimony to Congress, we are living in an elevated threat environment.”

So, the monitoring continues.

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