CHICAGO (NewsNation) — With just over three months until the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, organizers aim for a celebratory atmosphere similar to former President Bill Clinton’s reception in the same building in 1996.
At the same time, plans are underway for a potentially darker scenario, with the anticipation of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters and disruptions reminiscent of the 1968 convention during the height of the Vietnam War.
Safety is the main priority
Chicago’s 12th DNC comes in the wake of protests over the Israel-Hamas war that have spread across U.S. university and college campuses in recent weeks, leading to disruptions and arrests.
The convention is scheduled for August 19 —22, with an estimated 50,000 attendees, including delegates, journalists and politicians.
Therefore, the focus for officials is ensuring safety. It appears that wherever the Biden-Harris administration travels, protesters advocating against the war disrupt events.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and city officials attempted to intervene by denying permits for more than 65 organizations to gather near the United Center the weekend of Augst 19. However, these groups have now filed lawsuits against the city, arguing that their denial is unconstitutional.
Despite ongoing legal challenges, these protesters have vowed to march on the event. Some anticipate tense confrontations between anti-war groups and law enforcement, similar to the violent classes during the 1968 DNC.
DNC members embracing protesters
DNC members say they are embracing these protesters and are prepared to prevent a scene like 1968 from ever happening again.
“Unlike the other party actively building their convention up the road that actively foment chaos and exclusion, Democrats embrace the fact that there are a lot of people with wide diversities of opinion,” said Alex Hornbrook, executive director of the 2024 Democratic National Convention committee.
He added: “We respect and embrace everyone’s right to make their voice heard and exercise their First Amendment rights. We know that we can do that while at the same time hosting a safe and successful convention for our guests and the people of Chicago.”
The ACLU has joined both lawsuits, stating the city is unprepared for the influx of protesters heading to Chicago and “needs a plan to accommodate free expression during the DNC this summer.”
NewsNation learned that the Chicago Police Department will receive support from the federal government, with $75 million allocated for security measures.