SOFREP Examines Security at the 2024 Democratic National Convention

It All Starts Tonight

Well, folks, the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins tonight in Chicago, and security measures are at an all-time high. The lessons learned at the ’68 convention are fresh in everyone’s mind as if they happened yesterday.

The gathering, designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security, has mobilized federal, state, and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of attendees and residents.

Why Is Such Extensive Security Needed?

The DNC is the kind of major political event that attracts national leaders and delegates, protesters, activists of all stripes, and people that are pissed off in general and looking to cause trouble. With the stakes high and the eyes of the world on Chicago, the security apparatus must be robust to prevent any incidents that could overshadow the convention or put lives at risk. This need is underscored by the current polarized political climate in the United States, where protests can quickly escalate into violence, as seen in recent years in just about any given American city. 

One thing is for certain: there will be plenty of Secret Service counter snipers here, and the event will be organized, from a security standpoint, much better than the shit show that was offered to former President Trump in Butler. I suppose America has to learn that lesson once every sixty years or so that the Secret Service exists for a reason, and they must be vigilant 100% of the time.

The security measures for the 2024 DNC include establishing a secure perimeter around key venues like the United Center and McCormick Place, implementing vehicle screening zones, and restricting access to certain areas only to credentialed individuals. These precautions are intended to prevent direct threats and to manage the flow of people, ensuring that the convention proceeds without major disruptions. Weeks ago, teams of Secret Service agents began going door to door in the security zones to find out the concerns of residents in the affected areas. 

The Legacy of the 1968 DNC in Chicago

The 1968 Democratic National Convention, also held in the Windy City, is an ugly reminder of what can happen when security and public order break down. That convention is infamous for the violent clashes between anti-Vietnam War protesters and police, an event that has shaped how such political gatherings are secured ever since. Ok, most political gatherings. The images of Chicago police officers confronting demonstrators with tear gas and batons were broadcast across the country, leading to widespread condemnation and a significant shift in public opinion.

The violence of the 1968 DNC was a result of multiple factors, including the highly charged political atmosphere of the time, marked by the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy earlier that year. The anti-war movement was at its peak, and Chicago, under Mayor Richard J. Daley, adopted a heavy-handed approach to dealing with protesters, which only exacerbated the situation.

Despite the violence, no one lost their life during the activities surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention. We should be so lucky this year; this past weekend, there were at least 30 people shot and 5 murdered in Chicago. I’m glad we don’t cover these events in person. It’s like a war zone out there, and the convention hasn’t even officially started yet.

Supposedly, the lessons from 1968 have informed how security is handled at political conventions. The emphasis is balancing the right to protest with maintaining public order. Law enforcement agencies are supposedly better coordinated, and there is supposedly a greater focus on de-escalation and managing large crowds without resorting to excessive force. Notice I’ve just used the word “supposedly” quite a bit. All of this is theory and reality remains to be seen. 

The Current Security Setup

For the 2024 DNC, Chicago has been divided into various security zones, with specific areas designated for vehicle screenings and pedestrian-only access. The U.S. Secret Service has worked closely with the Chicago Police Department, the FBI, and other agencies to develop a security plan that is both comprehensive and flexible. This plan includes:

• Vehicle Screening Perimeter: Areas where vehicles can enter only after being screened at designated checkpoints.
• Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter: Zones where only credentialed individuals, such as delegates and volunteers, can access.

In addition to physical security measures, cyber security precautions are also in place to protect the DNC from digital threats. The importance of this cannot be overstated as a cyber attack could bring the whole event to a screeching halt. 

Takeaway

Like it or not, the 2024 DNC in Chicago is a critical event, not just for the Democratic Party but for the nation as a whole. The extensive security measures reflect the lessons of the past and the challenges of the present. With memories of the 1968 convention still lingering, the focus is on ensuring that the 2024 DNC is remembered for its political outcomes rather than any security incidents.

We at SOFREP certainly want to see the democratic process work smoothly and without violence. As the saying goes, ” Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Let’s hope we learned our lesson from ’68.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.