CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Local and federal partners along with the Secret Service conducted a safety tabletop training session at Soldier Field in preparation for the 2024 Democratic National Convention this summer.
Chicago Police Department Chief Duane DeVrees with the Bureau of Counterterrorism said these regular meetings are good because they give agents a scenario-based opportunity to work on what may come to the DNC.
Derek Mayer, Deputy Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Secret Service said the DNC carries with it some unique logistics.
"The DNC comprises of both McCormick Place and the United Center. It also involves two very busy international airports O'hare and Midway."
"In addition to FEMA, today's exercise includes the senior leadership of our federal and local partners."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Wes Wheeler said the agency has a long history of working on national security events like the DNC.
"Any asset that the FBI has is available to mitigate threats here in Chicago for this event," he explained.
"We do that every day-counterterrorism threats, violent crime, many other issues in Chicago that I'm very confident we will continue to address those and we'll be able to address circumstances that may arise as appropriate with the resources we have.
City officials said although the convention is coming to town, the Chicago Police Department will make sure the rest of the city is protected and monitored to prevent disruptions to Chicagoans' daily lives.
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