CHICAGO: As Chicago welcomes Democrats for their national convention, security services are braced for an array of possible threats — from potentially violent protests to lone wolf bids to avenge the attempt on Republican candidate Donald Trump’s life.

America’s third-largest city has been hosting political party gatherings dating back to the nomination of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and law enforcement agencies have determined that its 26th national convention next week will be among the most secure.

More than 50,000 activists are expected to flock to downtown Chicago from Monday for the four-day bonanza, set to be a festive celebration of the Democratic Party’s new standard-bearer, Vice President Kamala Harris.

High-profile participants from musicians and Hollywood stars to President Joe Biden are expected and the Secret Service, FBI and local police have spent a year planning an ironclad security cordon around the downtown United Center arena.

Law enforcement agencies outline potential for ‘retaliatory acts of violence’ at the convention

Lucas Rothaar, the FBI’s top special agent in Chicago, told journalists at a briefing there were no specific concerns but warned of an “elevated threat environment.” “We do acknowledge the vast threats that we face as a nation, running from violent crime to international terrorism, domestic terrorism and hate crimes, along with a host of other threats,” he said.

The July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, which left him with a bloody ear, prompted heavy criticism of the Secret Service over lax security at the Republican’s rally venue in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the gunman struck.

‘Retaliatory acts of violence’

Although there is no evidence the shooting was politically motivated, an intelligence assessment by federal and state law enforcement agencies outlines the potential for “retaliatory acts of violence” at the Democratic convention.

The report — obtained by multiple US media outlets including ABC7 Chicago and CNN — identifies one of the biggest threats as “lone offenders” seeking to advance anti-government beliefs, political grievances or other ideological positions.

However, the risk of more widespread violence has also been accounted for in the convention security plan, which includes detailed procedures for scheduled and pop-up protests.

Nationwide demonstrations against the Biden administration’s role in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza have raised concerns about the potential for a rerun of the 1968 Democratic convention, which saw violent clashes between Chicago police and anti-Vietnam War protesters.

Harris and her running mate Tim Walz have already been grappling with pressure from pro-Palestinian activists interrupting their campaign events in Michigan and San Francisco.

The Abandon Biden movement is holding its own convention in Chicago on Sunday and Monday, bringing together “leaders and people of conscience from across the nation”. The group pledged “decisive action against the Biden-Harris administration in response to its failure to protect innocent Palestinians” — although it has previewed discussion panels rather than protests.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024