Chicago businesses boarding up property ahead of DNC
Downtown Chicago businesses are bracing for unrest ahead of the Democratic National Convention. Video by OF (FreedomNewsTV)
Several downtown Chicago businesses have been boarded up as concerns run high over protests and potential unrest as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) kicks off on Monday.
"Tenemos experiencia en esto, y la ciudad no tiene un gran historial de protección de sus negocios ni de las propiedades de sus ciudadanos. Así que queremos ser preventivos y tapiar y adelantarnos a la convención demócrata", dijo Scott Shapiro, propietario de Syd Jerome, a Fox News mientras tapiaba su negocio.
The convention will run from Monday through Thursday at the United Center and McCormick Place.
Authorities have set up fencing around the United Center as the streets are lined with trucks. There is already a heavy police presence as well.
SE ESPERA QUE MILES DE MANIFESTANTES ANTIISRAELÍES SE REÚNAN EN CHICAGO DURANTE EL DNC
Several businesses across Chicago are boarding up their property amid concerns that protests could escalate during the Democratic National Convention this week. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images/FreedomNewsTV)
"Since 2019, we've been looted or vandalized, four separate occasions. So, like I said, you know, we have a little experience with this, and we haven't gotten any reassurances from the city that they will be doing anything downtown specifically," Shaprio explained. "So we wanted to make sure we were safe. The store was safe, and our employees were safe."
More than half a dozen protests are expected throughout the convention this week, which is anticipated to draw around 50,000 attendees, including delegates, guests and 15,000 journalists, Fox 32 reported.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said approximately 150 Illinois National Guard members are on standby in Chicago in case protests get out of hand, according to the outlet.
"Within the past two weeks, everyone is getting a little nervous. So we've been doing basically pre-board-ups for the past two weeks. Now everyone is starting to board up, now that everyone is basically doing remote work next week," Vicki Fichter, owner of Chicago Board-Up Services, told Fox News.
Fichter said business owners are not all nervous, and are just doing this as more of a preventive measure.
"It's cheaper to board it up than to board it up and replace the glass later. So I believe that they're just being more preventive this time. They want that security," Fichter said.
Over 300 police officers from Illinois and Milwaukee were deputized by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling on Saturday during a police training session ahead of the DNC.
Police said the additional officers are assisting with security, allowing the Chicago Police Department to focus on patrolling neighborhoods citywide.
"Ensuring our officers have everything they need to do their jobs safely and successfully is paramount. Superintendent Larry Snelling met with officers and recruits today to thank them for all they are doing to protect Chicago during the DNC and year-round," Chicago Police wrote in a post on X.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OFRECE ABORTOS Y VASECTOMIAS GRATIS EN EL DNC
As of Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reported at least seven large demonstrations, on issues ranging from abortion rights to so-called economic injustices, have been sanctioned by city officials.
Thousands of anti-Israel protesters from around the country are expected to rally in Chicago during the DNC as well.
On Friday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said all protesters are welcome.
Work continues at the United Center before the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
"No tienen que preocuparse por su derecho a la Primera Enmienda", dijo Johnson. "Voy a asegurarme de que esas personas tengan todo lo que necesitan para que se oiga su voz".
However, in response, Snelling vowed that authorities would intervene if protests should spin out of control.
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"No permitiremos que la gente venga aquí y destruya la ciudad", declaró Snelling a principios de esta semana, según el Chicago Tribune.
Some of the high-profile speakers set to present at the convention include President Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton, who are all expected to endorse Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Stephen Soarce contributed to this report.
