CHICAGO – From the time Air Force Two landed at O’Hare airport Sunday, August 18, 2024 to the time of “wheels up” on Friday, August 23, 2024, the Illinois State Police (ISP) successfully protected the safety and security of the democratic process with the largest deployment of ISP personnel to a single event in the agency’s 100 year history.
ISP worked with federal, state, and local agencies for more than a year and a half to coordinate security measures and responses for the United Center, McCormick Place, and other locations during this National Special Security Event (NSSE). The endless hours of planning and preparation allowed ISP to successfully protect those participating in and supporting the Democratic National Convention.
Illinois State Police motorcade detail, Honor Guard, community safety, aerial support, Crowd Control Team, Command Post, venue security
“The right of the people to peacefully choose their leaders is still one of the strongest guarantors of the freedom we enjoy as Americans, but freedom doesn’t work if it’s undermined by violence and lawlessness,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Along with our partners at the U.S. Secret Service and the Chicago Police Department, I am incredibly proud of all the hard work the dedicated men and women of ISP put in to make this a safe event.”
ISP had multiple mission-specific roles to protect the safety of elected officials, dignitaries, Chicago residents, convention attendees, protestors, and critical infrastructure.
Numerous government leaders from across the country attended the DNC. To ensure their safety, ISP provided:
- 66 executive protection details for 27 federal officials, 25 governors, six members of Congress, one foreign official, seven Illinois officials
- Assigned security personnel for dignitaries attending approximately 500 events across the city
- 26 motorcades, including for the President of the United States, Vice President, and former presidents and first ladies
- ISP air assets to assist with high profile motorcades and civil unrest situations
In addition to executive protection details, ISP was charged with aiding in the safety of all participants during the NSSE. ISP helped protect the right to protest under the First Amendment, and the rights of delegates to meet and caucus, while ensuring the safety of the community.
ISP assigned a SWAT Quick Response Force to McCormick Place where many DNC-related activities occurred, in addition to a Special Operations Unit stationed on the roof.
More than two dozen ISP weapons of mass destruction team members and Secretary of State Police officers were assigned to respond to potentially hazardous substances, primarily at McCormick Place, the United Center, and Navy Pier, but ultimately responded to several other calls at various hotels and high profile venues in Chicago.
Three ISP Crowd Control Teams consisting of approximately 60 members each were staged throughout Chicago during the NSSE. One team was deployed to a demonstration at an event on August 20, all three teams were deployed to ensure no one unlawfully entered interstates or state facilities during a demonstration at the Israeli Consulate on August 20, and three teams deployed to ensure the integrity of the perimeter around the United Center on the last day of the convention.
Additionally, ISP was proud to support the Chicago Police Department by providing a uniformed presence in the Fulton Market area to ensure the security and safety of area residents and businesses. ISP officers conducted both vehicle and foot patrols in the area due to its close proximity to the United Center and other convention venues.
Protecting critical infrastructure is essential during NSSEs. ISP maintained safety and security responsibilities for all Chicago area expressways, as well as State buildings and offices, including 555 W. Monroe St., the Michael A. Bilandic Building, and the Chicago Central Secretary of State Office at 160 N. LaSalle Dr.
Crucial to ensuring the public’s safety during an NSSE is the ability to quickly identify and investigate potential threats. During the DNC, the ISP Statewide Terrorism Intelligence Center, working with federal and local officials – U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Chicago Police Department, and numerous other agencies – shared the latest intelligence and awareness of all types of threats. Using this intelligence process, two individuals who made threatening statements were identified and affirmed Clear and Present Danger reports allowed law enforcement to ensure removal of firearms from their possession.