Secret Service and Chicago police officials are intensifying their preparations for the upcoming Democratic National Convention, set to take place in August. With an estimated 50,000 attendees expected, including delegates, media, vendors, and more, authorities are gearing up for potential protests and disturbances during the event.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle recently visited Chicago to tour the United Center, where the convention speeches will be held, as well as McCormick Place, the daytime venue for party business. The convention, scheduled for August 19 to 22, will see President Joe Biden being nominated for reelection by the Democratic Party.

Considering recent protests across the country related to Biden's support for Israel's actions in Gaza, concerns have been raised about a possible repeat of the violent clashes that occurred during the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, where anti-Vietnam War protesters clashed with the police.

To address these concerns, Cheatle met with the Secret Service's Chicago field office, which also covers the Republican convention in Milwaukee, scheduled for July. Strategies are being developed to handle a wide range of scenarios, including potential lone gunmen, radicalized individuals, and demonstrations that may escalate to violence.

Additionally, the City of Chicago is currently in negotiations with protest groups regarding the routes and permits for demonstrations after their initial requests were denied. The Chicago Police Department's Crime Prevention and Information Center will act as the command center for convention-related events, including protests, and will involve representatives from various agencies such as the Secret Service, Illinois State Police, FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Both federal and local authorities are closely monitoring the threat stream from domestic and foreign extremist groups. Recent intelligence bulletins from the National Counterterrorism Center, Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI have warned of potential "lone wolf" attacks on US soil and emphasized the increasing polarization within American society, which could amplify the impact of any such attacks.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Police Department has been conducting extensive training exercises to prepare for a range of scenarios, including handling violent protests, extracting individuals from hostile crowds, and managing medical emergencies. Officers are also receiving constitutional and legal training on First Amendment protest rights and mass arrest protocols.

Despite their preparations, Chicago police leaders have expressed their hope that the training in de-escalation tactics will help prevent confrontations with protesters. Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations are welcome, any actions that violate the law will be met with the necessary response to restore peace.

With the convention drawing closer, both the Secret Service and the Chicago Police Department are focused on ensuring the safety and security of all attendees while respecting the rights of peaceful protesters.