WASHINGTON, D.C. – Increased local security measures will be in place around Chicago’s United Center and McCormick Place in the days leading up to, during and immediately following the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
The U.S. Secret Service, along with its Federal, state, and local partners, on Thursday released maps of the security perimeters that will be in place around both venues during the upcoming convention in Chicago, which runs from Aug. 19-22.
“I am deeply grateful to the United States Secret Service and all of our law enforcement partners across Federal, state, and local government for their work to ensure the safety and security of the Democratic National Convention,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Their tireless efforts and coordination will ensure convention-goers and residents alike will experience this historic moment without fear for their safety and with minimal disruption to their day-to-day activities.”
“We are proud to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention and truly showcase the reason we call Chicago the best city in the world,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “While Chicagoans and visitors will experience the very best our city has to offer in vibrancy, diversity, and culture, our top priority remains ensuring a safe convention for both attendees and residents. We have worked closely with our partners at the Federal, state, and local levels to develop a comprehensive security plan that caters to the needs of the convention and simultaneously supports the lives of Chicagoans who rely on our services each day."
“For more than a year, the U.S. Secret Service team here in Chicago has been working with the Chicago Police Department and our other Federal, state and local partners to devise a security plan that will provide a safe and secure environment for those attending the convention, as well as minimizing impacts on the public,” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff Burnside, the U.S. Secret Service’s 2024 DNC Coordinator, said. “Security surrounding the DNC is of paramount importance and this plan, which is a result of our combined efforts, will ensure that.”
“We have been training and working with our Federal partners for more than a year to prepare for a safe and successful DNC,” Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said. “We are constantly assessing and reassessing our resources based on intelligence and best practices. We’re doing this as we look ahead to the convention, and we will be doing this in real-time during the convention. Flexibility plays a vital role in our safety planning.”
Vehicular, public transportation and pedestrian impacts should be expected in the areas around both convention sites. City residents and visitors are asked to expect delays throughout the week and plan accordingly.
Temporary road closures will be in effect intermittently around McCormick Place beginning at approximately 10 p.m. on Aug. 16, as will the enforcement of the pedestrian and vehicle security perimeters. Similar restrictions around the United Center will begin at approximately 7 p.m. on Aug. 17. DNC security measures will be in place during the convention and run through approximately Aug. 23. The public security map and comprehensive traffic plan, to include a complete list of parking restrictions, road closures, and other security measures, are available athttp://www.Chicago.gov/OEMC.
The secure areas for the event are divided into a Vehicle Screening Perimeter, shaded in yellow on the public security map, and a Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter, shaded in red.
Vehicle Screening Perimeter:Residences and businesses inside the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be accessible to the public. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to freely enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter from any area. Vehicles will be permitted to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, though they must enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked with checkmarks on the map. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will be permitted in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter; drivers will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point.
Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter:The Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter will be accessible only to credentialed or ticketed individuals, such as convention attendees or volunteers. Pedestrians must enter through one of the pedestrian checkpoints, which will be marked on an attendee-specific map distributed to credentialed individuals. Personal vehicles, as well as bicycles and small scooters, will not be permitted inside the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will not be permitted in the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter.
Trash services, mail, and package delivery will continue in both perimeters; however, schedules will be shifted for service to occur in the overnight and early morning hours. All business deliveries entering either perimeter will be directed to the Commercial Vehicle Screening location.
A complete list of restrictions will be available on the OEMC’s website.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention has been designated a National Special Security Event by the Department of Homeland Security, a designation that is based in part on the event’s significance, size, and attendees. Designating an event an NSSE allows for significant resources from the Federal government, as well as state and local partners, to be used to ensure a robust security plan is in place.
Any media queries regarding the 2024 DNC security plan should be directed toDNCMedia@cityofchicago.org.
