Chicago Businesses Boarded Up, Jails Cleared in Preparation for Potential Unrest During DNC Protests

City gets ready for potential unrest and violence during Democratic National Convention

Protests getting out of hand at 1968 DNC convention.Photo byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO, IL - By the time the 1968 Democratic National Convention ended, almost 700 protestors had been arrested and hundreds had been injured. This year, the DNC is once again in Chicago, and once again the convention will be marked by large numbers of protestors and security forces attempting to keep the peace. Residents and delegates alike are hoping that the riots and violence that marked the 1968 DNC will not repeat itself this year.

Business owners taking no chances however and many closest to the United Center where the convention will be held are boarding up their establishments and planning to stay home for the duration of the DNC to play it safe. Additionally, local law enforcement is clearing out space in local jails should it be needed to lock up protestors who break the law and threaten the safety of others in the city.

The Democratic National Convention is set to take place from August 19 to 22, and will draw national attention to Chicago and the outcome of the event both in terms of what occurs in the convention sessions as well as associated demontrations and how prepared law enforcement is to manage them.

Chicago officials are implementing extensive security preparations ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), scheduled to begin on Monday. Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans of the Cook County Circuit Court announced in July that court facilities would be specially prepared to handle mass arrests linked to DNC-related protests.

"We are taking proactive measures based on past experiences," said Scott Shapiro, owner of a menswear store in Chicago. His comments reflect broader concerns among local business owners about potential unrest during the convention.

Judge Evans emphasized in a July press release that the court system will remain operational from 8 a.m. to midnight during the convention to process cases stemming from any disturbances. He noted that extensive coordination has been ongoing for weeks with over 50 representatives from various county, city, state, and federal agencies to ensure that the police can focus on maintaining security while upholding the rights of those arrested.

The Cook County Circuit Court has also announced that judges have cleared their dockets of non-essential proceedings to manage the expected influx of cases. Should the number of arrests exceed the court's capacity, the Chicago Police Department will take over processing duties, according to the press release.

One group, the "Coalition to March on the DNC," which comprises approximately 200 anti-Israel organizations, has secured a permit to protest during the convention. City officials reversed an earlier decision, and will allow the group to use sound systems and portable toilets during their demonstrations.

Judge Evans expressed hope for a peaceful event but stated that the court is fully prepared for any scenario involving mass arrests. "We want to ensure that the judiciary remains effective without overburdening our judges," Evans remarked, explaining the court's strategy to handle the situation efficiently.

The Democratic National Convention is set to take place from August 19 to 22, and will draw national attention to Chicago.

Requests for further comment from the Circuit Court of Cook County were not immediately returned.