As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago is set to begin, several businesses in downtown Chicago have taken precautions by boarding up their properties in anticipation of potential protests and unrest. Scott Shapiro, the owner of Syd Jerome, shared concerns about the city’s track record in protecting businesses and property, prompting him to take preemptive measures to ensure the safety of his business and employees. The convention is expected to draw around 50,000 attendees, including delegates, guests, and journalists, leading to more than half a dozen protests throughout the week. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has placed approximately 150 Illinois National Guard members on standby in Chicago to handle any potential escalation of protests.
Chicago Board-Up Services owner, Vicki Fichter, mentioned that business owners have been nervous in the past two weeks and have started pre-board-ups, with many now opting to board up their properties as they transition to remote work next week. Fichter highlighted that it is a more cost-effective measure to board up properties in advance rather than dealing with potential damages later on. Over 300 police officers from Illinois and Milwaukee were deputized by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to assist with security during the convention, allowing the Chicago Police Department to focus on patrolling neighborhoods citywide. The additional officers are essential in ensuring the safety and security of the city amid the expected protests.
City officials have sanctioned at least seven large demonstrations as of Sunday, covering a range of issues, including abortion rights and economic injustices. Thousands of anti-Israel protesters are expected to join the demonstrations during the DNC, prompting Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to welcome all protesters and support their First Amendment rights. However, Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized that authorities would intervene if protests were to escalate and threaten the city’s security. High-profile speakers, such as President Biden, former Presidents Obama and Clinton, and Hillary Clinton, are scheduled to endorse Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz during the convention.
Business owners in downtown Chicago are taking preventive measures by boarding up their properties ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to protect themselves from potential vandalism or looting. Scott Shapiro, the owner of Syd Jerome, expressed concerns about the city’s track record in safeguarding businesses and properties, prompting him to take preemptive action to ensure the safety of his business and employees. The convention is expected to draw a significant number of attendees, leading to several planned protests throughout the week. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has placed National Guard members on standby in case protests escalate.
Chicago Board-Up Services owner, Vicki Fichter, noted that business owners have become increasingly nervous in the past weeks and have started pre-board-ups, with a surge in boarding up properties as many establishments transition to remote work next week. Fichter highlighted that preemptive boarding up is a cost-effective measure to protect properties and prevent potential damages. Over 300 police officers from Illinois and Milwaukee were deputized to assist with security during the convention, allowing the Chicago Police Department to focus on maintaining law and order citywide. City officials have sanctioned several demonstrations, including those on abortion rights and economic injustices, with thousands of anti-Israel protesters expected to join in during the DNC.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has welcomed all protesters and supported their First Amendment rights, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to voice their concerns during the convention. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized that authorities would intervene if protests were to turn violent and threaten the city’s security. High-profile speakers, including President Biden and former Presidents Obama and Clinton, are scheduled to endorse Kamala Harris and her running mate during the convention. The city is bracing for potential protests and unrest as businesses and law enforcement take measures to safeguard against any potential disruption during the DNC.
