While Democratic elites feasted on Chicago’s best food and drink, attention surrounding the party’s 2024 presidential nomination by Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz overshadowed the Windy City’s ongoing problems with violence and failed policies, according to a former city police report. Chief.
“It’s ironic in a lot of ways that the Democratic National Committee is being held at the United Center,” former Chicago Police Department crime chief.
A few weeks ago, a 7-year-old boy named Jaymani Rivera was hit by a stray bullet outside his mother’s Jackson Avenue home and died a few blocks away, despite police officers’ life-saving efforts. Roy said the 16-year-old suspect was able to move freely despite his violent history.
“This is a sign of everything that’s wrong with Chicago right now,” he added. “The Department of Juvenile Justice, under the direct control of the Chief Judge of the Cook County Court, was aware of the fact that offenders had violated the terms of their house arrest, but did nothing… And once again, this hype continues. This big party goes on and on. Real life is three blocks away.”
Roy highlighted what he saw as an “atmosphere of façade” designed to hide Chicago’s problems while VIPs were in town for the convention. Digital that the whole convention scene reminded him of medieval kings who were protected from the public and kept in castles.
“I think the whole DNC convention here is an example of Democratic elitism,” he said. “The politicians are in a heavily fortified building, like a castle. They’re being guarded by hundreds of armed police and two separate fences, and they’re enjoying the best food and alcohol.”
On Monday night, protesters outside the DNC yelled at police officers to go home. But they have no choice, Roy noted. Their days off were canceled and opening hours extended to ensure the event was safe.
“They work at least 12 hours a day, and that doesn’t include travel time to and from work,” he said. “They’re struggling to make ends meet and provide for their families.
This increases stress and reduces recovery time,” he said.
“Is this the attitude we want from our officers? Do we want our exhausted and burned out officers to meet protesters in an explosive situation?
On Monday, protesters kicked through the fence and surrounded the outer fence, but were unable to go any further.
“In August, protesters breached a section of the fence along the perimeter of the Democratic National Convention near the United Center.” 19,” the DNC Public Safety Joint Information Center said in a statement after the incident. Officers were immediately on scene and were able to control the situation. The interior perimeter was never breached and there was no danger to those being protected.
Another standoff in nearby Union Park ended when police asked protesters to remove tents they had set up. Officers held signs that read, “Chicago Police urge you to disperse.”
But Chicago is unique in its problems with public safety and quality of life. And lip service from officials who continue to deny that crime is a problem in the country doesn’t help victims and their families, Roy said.
For now, the protests outside the DNC bear no resemblance to the infamous 1968 clash between Vietnam War opponents and city police. But organizers plan to continue the rallies throughout the convention. A demonstration is planned for Tuesday in front of the Israeli consulate, and a march is planned through the United Center on Thursday, when the party’s conference ends.