Chicago Police Claim Mass Arresting DNC Protesters Are ‘Last Resort.’ What Does History Say?

Chicago is preparing to again host the Democratic National Convention in August, with police claiming that officers are trained and ready to de-escalate possible civil unrest amid anticipated protests. But with Chicago police’s documented history of violently responding to mass gatherings, activists and civil rights groups are skeptical about such a claim.

Law enforcement have long been planning for how to enforce security at the DNC, which is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors and massive protests. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, a veteran Chicago cop who was confirmed last year as chief, said Tuesday that officers are prepared to handle anticipated protesters and possible mass arrests.

“Make no mistake, we are ready,” Snelling said at a press conference alongside Secret Service and FBI officials. The proposed changes for how police handle mass arrests are yet to be finalized, but so far include more supervisor review onsite as well as debriefings after the event to discuss which actions were effective. Officers have also undergone new de-escalation training, with some also receiving specialized training to “respond directly to civil unrest and the possibility of riots,” according to Snelling.

“Mass arrest is a last resort,” the chief said. “But we know the realities of these types of situations, especially when the number of people we’re executing to converge upon Chicago is inevitable, that there is a possibility for vandalism. There is a possibility for violence, and we are prepared to deal with that.”

Protesters say they won’t be pushed away

Dozens of organizations have joined a coalition called “March on the DNC 2024” in an effort to protest outside the four-day convention on issues related