Chicago is gearing up to host a secure and lively Democratic National Convention next month, as confirmed by federal, state, and local officials last Thursday. This comes despite the Secret Service grappling with security lapses linked to the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump, The New York Times reports. At a news conference in downtown Chicago, elected officials and law enforcement leaders said that for more than a year they had been in close coordination on security plans for the four-day convention, which starts on Aug. 19. “Let me state this unequivocally: Chicago is ready,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat. He added: “Chicago is not just hosting another convention. We are welcoming another new breath of life into our nation with the historic nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Still, officials warned that the convention would take place in a heightened security environment. Since the attack, the Secret Service has reviewed the security plan for the Democratic convention, said Derek Mayer, the deputy special agent in charge in the Chicago field office of the Secret Service. Officials expect tens of thousands of protesters to demonstrate in Chicago during the convention, particularly pro-Palestinian activists who have opposed President Biden’s stance on the conflict in Gaza. Law enforcement officers from outside Chicago will receive additional training as they joined local police officers to assist with security for the convention. The Circuit Court of Cook County announced this week that it was making plans for an influx of arrests during the convention, including opening a temporary facility to handle additional court appearances. Several dozen judges have made room in their calendars to handle the proceedings if necessary.
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