With two days to go until the Democratic National Convention, perimeter control measures have gone into effect for people living and working near the two main venues — the United Center and McCormick Place.
“We’re going to stock up tomorrow, and we’re going to try to limit our travel. My wife is going to work from home, so we’re prepared,” said Simeon Tzolov, a South Loop resident. “We’re going to shelter in place. We’re looking forward to watching it on TV.”
More and more streets are being closed, traffic is being diverted and vehicles will be checked at security checkpoints.
“It’s a small inconvenience, but it’s part of the security measures,” said one resident.
The city is preparing to welcome more than 50,000 visitors. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker hosted a convention kickoff luncheon Saturday, thanking volunteers and supporters who continue their party’s mission.
“This is all about launching Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to victory, so that in about 81 days, we can all say two words that we have waited 248 years to say in this country: Madam President,” Pritzker said.
Local, state and federal agencies have all taken precautions for the four-day convention. Crews have added fencing and barricades over the past week.
“We heard Mayor Johnson talk about all the preparations they’ve made,” Tzolov said. “We’re confident the city will keep us safe.”
More than 300 police officers from across the state and Milwaukee were dispatched by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to a training session Saturday. While protests are expected, Snelling expressed confidence in the department’s plan to protect residents and visitors.
“No matter how many people show up here in Chicago to protest, they’re doing it peacefully,” he told NBC Chicago’s Stefan Holt in a one-on-one interview. “They’re exercising their First Amendment rights, but we want them to understand that criminal activity cannot and will not be tolerated in the city.”
Some downtown businesses have been barricaded in case of potential unrest.
Aurelio’s Pizza, located in the South Loop, informed customers in a Facebook post that they planned to close during the DNC, saying road closures and checkpoints would make service difficult.
Starting Sunday, new downtown closures will go into effect ahead of the DNC event.
- North Wabash Avenue from East Chestnut to East Delaware Place (through Wednesday, August 21)
- East Huron Street from North Michigan Avenue to North Rush Street (through Friday, August 23)
- East Chicago Avenue from North Michigan Avenue to North Rush Street (through Friday, August 23)
A protest is planned for Sunday night at 6 p.m., according to city officials. Protesters will march south on Michigan Avenue from Wacker to Ninth Street and then east to Grant Park.
