The City of Chicago hosted a security briefing on Thursday, April 8th, to discuss the Chauvin Trial, Toledo bodycam footage, and anticipated protest activity concerns. Below is a recap of the briefing as well as scheduled protest activity for April 9–21.
Chauvin Trial:
- The prosecution is expected to rest today or Monday, and the Defense is only likely to call in a couple of expert witnesses
- The jury could get a case late next week, or early the following week at the latest
- A quick verdict is hoped for as this will be a favorable sign and allow less opportunity for protest activity
Toledo Bodycam Footage:
- The city will review the video footage with the family next week, and they will make a decision together on whether or not to release the video to the public
Protest Activities Update:
- Both of these events could conclude at roughly the same time. The city is expecting the worst but hoping for the best
- The city has no anticipated concerns as all activities look to be peaceful but will be preparing for unrest starting Friday
- Protests are expected to increase starting in the middle of next week and will continue for at least another week
- When the City of Chicago’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated, the private seat will be made available
- There is plenty of preparation time to plan a response if needed
- The activities from last year, the timeline, and how they developed have been analyzed
- Response plans, the Retail Corridor Plan, and the shutting down of critical infrastructure have been updated to incorporate lessons learned from the past year
- CIRT/Safety Team/TAC Teams will be used to supplement normal beat presence
- No plan or recommendation regarding board-ups for buildings at this time
COVID-19 Update:
- The City of Chicago is currently about 50% open and wants to remain at that level. Events at hotels are forecasted for late summer or early fall
Scheduled Protests/Assemblies from April 9–April 21, 2021
Ongoing Protests through April
- Unknown time at 110 N Carpenter (McDonald’s HQ). The group will gather for their cause “Don’t Be McFooled. Stop Systemic Racism.”
Friday, April 9th, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 111 S Michigan (Art Institute). The group will gather for their cause “Free R. Kelly Due Process Raising Awareness of People being Presumed Guilty before the Trial.”
Saturday, April 10th, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park). The group will gather for their cause “Free R. Kelly Due Process Raising Awareness of People being Presume Guilty before the trial.”
Sunday, April 11th, 2021
- 10:30 am at 801 S Loomis (Arrigo Park). The group will gather for their cause “Save Columbus, Save Chicago Arrigo Park Rally.”
- 12:00 pm at 700 N Michigan (Saks Fifth Avenue). The group will gather for their cause “Saks Fifth Avenue Fur Protest.”
- 1:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Farmers Protest – Rally to Support Indian Farmers.”
- 4:00 pm at 625 N Michigan (British Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Drop the Charges. Journalism is not a Crime. Free Assange Now.”
Wednesday, April 14th, 2021
- 11:15 am at 1200 S Lake Shore (Shedd Aquarium) to 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “We Want to Work Drive-By Protest for 10,000 Jobs! (Weekly protest on Wednesdays)
Friday, April 16th, 2021
- 5:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “End Student Loan Debt Protest.”
Saturday, April 17th, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 401 N Wabash (Trump Tower). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Trump Flag Wave/Rally and March.”
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021
- Approximate date of Floyd/Chauvin verdict announcement; expect short-notice events (including “Verdict Action: Chauvin Murder Trial” expected in Federal Plaza).
Wednesday, April 21st, 2021
- 9:00 am at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “Pass the People’s Ordinance!”
Safety Tips:
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources:
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).