Democrats Asked NOT to Book Hotels Under Own Names Due To Safety Concerns as Pro-Palestinian Protestors Converge on DNC – Report

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

House Democrats are being asked not to book Chicago hotel rooms under their own names for next week’s Democratic National Convention as thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors are expected to descend on the city.

Axios reported security officials are concerned some lawmakers could find themselves in physical danger.

The report stated:

House Democrats attending the Democratic National Convention next week are being advised by congressional security officials not to book hotel rooms under their own names or engage with protesters if confronted, Axios has learned. The guidance comes as some Democratic lawmakers are fearful about their safety after being rattled by a series of disruptive pro-Palestinian protests since the Israel-Hamas war started last year.

The warning comes as some hotels “have been getting random calls asking for people” a lawmaker who was not identified by Axios stated.

Democrats in the House were sent guidance from the House sergeant-at-arms, which warned, “If you are confronted by protesters, try not to engage and report to [Capitol Police].”

One lawmaker who was not named told Axios they were “very concerned” about their safety and the safety of their colleagues. Another described as a “senior House Democrat” said they were warned “not to go to a certain area, because they expect violence.”

The person added, “The protesters aren’t staying in a designated protest site… and there are people who are going to go and really try to cause trouble.”

Another said they expected DNC organizers to host a safe convention as tens of thousands of demonstrators protesting Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas in Gaza reportedly plan to make their presence known. Axios added:

In a welcome packet sent to congressional Democrats, convention officials said the Secret Service, which is managing security at the event, “has been coordinating with all levels of law enforcement agencies” including the Capitol Police and the Chicago Police Department. The document added that the Secret Service have “provided over 400 hours of training to officers specifically for this event.”

The convention will kick off on Monday and will wrap up on Thursday with Vice President Kamala Harris expected to formally receive her party’s nomination for president.