Titan Security was pleased to attend the monthly meeting of the Chicago Public-Private Task Force (CPPTF) on the morning of Thursday, December 9, helping to represent the cultural properties and commerical highrise sectors. The group, cochaired by the Office of Emergency Management and Communcations and ChicagoFIRST, brings together organizations and associations from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to address common concerns. The meeting was hosted via Microsoft Teams with approximately 20 attendees.
Public-sector agencies in attendance included:
- Chicago Police Department 1st District (CPD 1)
- Chicago Police Department 12th District (CPD 12)
- Chicago Police Department CPIC fusion center
- Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (CCDEMRA)
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Department of Homeland Security/Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (DHS/CISA)
- Federal Executive Board (FEB)
- Chicago Department of Buildings
- Office of Emergency Management and Communciations (OEMC)
Public sector briefings/updates:
- OEMC: Adriana Sanabria and Chuck Battaglia introduced in new roles; two local parades completed with no major incidents; monitoring national incidents including Houston concert and Michigan shooting
- 1st District: Trend meet ups and preparations ongoing; additional resources detailed, theaters have restarted live performances
- 12th District: crime stats YTD are up in property and personal crimes; new bike team being deployed
- CPIC: no credible homeland security threats at this time; see presentation notes
- Cook County: nothing to report at this time
- CTA: no report
- DHS/CISA: no operational updates at this time; see presentation notes
- FEB: no report
- Dept of Buildings: no report
Group discussions/presentations:
- Discussion: Extensive conversation about ongoing Trend events and similar gatherings; current and upcoming special events include Christkindlmarket and NYE celebrations
- CPIC intel briefing: no specific local terror threat; professional smash and grab crews still active
- DHS/CISA intel briefing: extensive online resources now available via https://cisa.gov
- Subcommittee reports were offered as well, with initial meetings kicking off this month
- BOMA/Chicago gave an organizational overview/summary as a part of ongoing Task Force education series
- The next meeting of the CPPTF will be on January 13, 2022
Titan Security continues to work with our cross-sector safety partners to monitor anticipated protest activity and special events in and around the Loop. Please find an updated listing through the end of the year copied below.
Anticipated Demonstration Activity
- 12/08 @ 5:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “A Chorus for All: Singing for the Freedom to Vote”
- 12/09 @ 10:30am, 401 N Michigan, Group will gather for their cause “Genocide in Tigray Ethiopia Global Protest”
- 12/10 @ 4:30pm, 140 E Oak Street, Group will gather for their cause “Fur Protest”
- 12/11 @ 11:30am, 121 N LaSalle (City Hall), Group will gather for their cause “Public Transit Safety Protest”
- 12/11 @ 6:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group may gather for their event “Teen Trend Meet Up”
- 12/13 @ 11:30am, 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center), Group will gather for their cause “Bring Torture Survivors Home for the Holidays!”
- 12/13 @ 12:00pm, 101 W Ida B Wells (DHS Office), Group will gather for their cause “Protect Immigrant Workers! Rally for Worker Protection”
- 12/14 @ 3:00pm, 231 S LaSalle (Army Corps of Engineers), Group will gather for their cause “Stop Line 3: Save the Gulf!”
- 12/18 @ 12:00pm, 806 N Michigan (Water Tower Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “International Migrants Day: Rally on Climate, Immigration & Labor”
- 12/31 @ 5:00pm, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”
- 12/31 @ 5:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group may gather for their event “Teen Trend Meet Up”
Safety Tips In or Near Protest Activity
- 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
Additional Resources
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).
Titan Security is proud to partner with our public-sector safety agencies to identify potentially disruptive activity in and around the Chicago Loop. Please monitor this space for updates as they become available.
Anticipated Demonstration Activities
- 12/04 @ 9:00am, 659 W Washington (Family Planning Associates), Group will gather for their cause “Spreading Christmas Joy and Hope for Women that there are Options Besides Abortion”
- 12/04 @ 12:00pm, 123 N Wacker (Australian Consulate), Group will gather for their cause “S.O.S. from Australia”
- 12/04 @ 6:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group may gather for their event “Teen Trend Meet Up”
- 12/05 @ 10:00am, 120 E Delaware (Four Seasons), Group will gather for their cause “Crash Heartland Holiday Fundraiser – Heartland Alliance Jails Kids 4 Money”
- 12/08 @ 5:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “A Chorus for All: Singing for the Freedom to Vote”
- 12/10 @ 4:30pm, 140 E Oak Street, Group will gather for their cause “Fur Protest”
- 12/13 @ 12:00pm, 101 W Ida B Wells (DHS Office), Group will gather for their cause “Protect Immigrant Workers! Rally for Worker Protection”
- 12/18 @ 12:00pm, 806 N Michigan (Water Tower Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “International Migrants Day: Rally on Climate, Immigration & Labor”
- 12/31 @ 5:00pm, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”
Safety Tips Near/During Protests
- 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
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).
In partnership with our public-sector partners, Titan Security continues to monitor demonstration and special event activities in and around the Chicago Loop. An updated biweekly listing is below.
Anticipated Demonstration Activity
- 12/01 @ 11:00am, 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Pro-Life Rally”
- 12/01 @ 5:00pm, 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Rally for Abortion Rights: Defend Roe”
- 12/04 @ 9:00am, 659 W Washington (Family Planning Associates), Group will gather for their cause “Spreading Christmas Joy and Hope for Women that there are Options Besides Abortion”
- 12/04 @ 12:00pm, 123 N Wacker (Australian Consulate), Group will gather for their cause “S.O.S. from Australia”
- 12/05 @ 10:00am, 120 E Delaware (Four Seasons), Group will gather for their cause “Crash Heartland Holiday Fundraiser – Heartland Alliance Jails Kids 4 Money”
- 12/10 @ 4:30pm, 140 E Oak Street, Group will gather for their cause “Fur Protest”
- 12/13 @ 12:00pm, 101 W Ida B Wells (DHS Office), Group will gather for their cause “Protect Immigrant Workers! Rally for Worker Protection”
Safety Tips Near/During Protests
- 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
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).
City of Chicago officials, including the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Police Department, provided written and verbal briefings this week on measures being taken to enhance safety and security through the extended holiday weekend.
Specific Measures
- The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has confirmed that they will be assigning extra uniformed and plain-clothes officers to the Central Business District through the extended Thanksgiving weekend.
- Public works assets, such as Streets & Sanitation salt trucks, will also be prepositioned in and around the Loop and in other retail corridors.
- Additional technology may also be deployed to monitor persons/vehicles traveling into and out of the area.
- Multiple cities have experienced organized theft rings targeting high-end retail stores in recent days.
- City departments have run frequent drills in 2021 utilizing such assets to deter opportunistic criminality or civil unrest.
- Special events will include the Christkindlmart in Daley Plaza and the Thanksgiving Day Parade along State Street.
- The verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial in Georgia may be imminent, and has factored into the City’s planning.
- A related demonstration is anticipated at Federal Plaza (230 S Dearborn) on the evening of any verdict announcement.
- An additional, visible security presence facing the public way is encouraged by CPD.
- Increased situational awareness for all Loop residents and employees is highly encouraged.
- Emergencies should result in a call to 911, situational communication may utilize the BOMA Slack channel or 311.
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- 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
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).
Titan Security continues to monitor the status of the Georgia murder trial in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. New information will be posted as it is received and vetted.
Update 1: As of the evening of Monday, November 22, closing arguments have been completed by both the prosecution and the defense. Brief rebuttal arguments are expected on Tuesday, November 23, and the jury could begin formal deliberations that same afternoon.
A coalition of activist groups have announced a planned protest on the evening of any verdict announcement, commencing at 6:00pm in Federal Plaza (230 S Dearborn). We will continue to monitor for additional demonstration activity.
Update 2: As of 10:45am Central time on Tuesday, November 23, the jury has begun formal deliberations in Brunswick, Georgia. We will continue to monitor multiple sources for updates, while any specific timeframes rest largely in the hands of the 12 jurors. We continue to anticipate a protest in Federal Plaza at 6:00pm on the evening of any verdict announcement.
Update 3: As of the evening of Tuesday, November 23, the jury has concluded deliberations for the day. Per law enforcement sources, the jury will reconvene to deliberate for a half day on Wednesday, November 24. If no verdict(s) has been reached by midday, they will break for the Thanksgiving holiday, and return for a full day of deliberation on Friday, November 26.
Update 4: As of midday on Wednesday, November 24, the jury in Georgia returned guilty verdicts in 23 of the 27 charges facing the defendants, including multiple counts of felony murder. A sentencing date is pending. As a result, any scheduled demonstrations are more likely to be nonconfrontational in nature. Titan Security continues to monitor the situation both nationally and locally.
Anticipated Demonstration Activity
11/24 @ 6:00pm, 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Ahmaud Arbery Murder Trial”
Safety Tips In/Near Protest Activity
- 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).
Titan Security continues to closely monitor pending demonstration activities, and planned special events, in or near the Chicago Loop. Please see a current list of anticipated events below for your reference.
Anticipated Demonstrations/Events
- Evening of Rittenhouse Verdict Announcement, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park) and 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group(s) will gather for their cause “Rittenhouse Trial Verdict Demonstration/Send Kyle to Jail” *
- 11/19 @ 1100, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather for their event “Christkindlmarket” (daily through 12/24)
- 11/19 @ 1830, 100 N Michigan (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Tree Lighting Ceremony”
- 11/19 @ 1500, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Millennium Park Holiday Market” (daily through 11/21)
- 11/20 @ 1200, N Michigan/E Madison (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “Worldwide Freedom Rally” **
- 11/20 @ 1200, N Michigan/E Madison (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “No Fascists in Chicago (Counterprotest)” **
- 11/20 @ 1700, 1000 N Michigan to 400 N Michigan, Group will gather/march for their event “Magnificent Mile Lights Festival”
- 11/20 @ 1400, 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Stop White Supremacy! Response to Rittenhouse Verdict”
- 11/21 @ 1200 190 N State (ABC 7), Group will gather for their cause “Ethiopians in Chicago”
- 11/22 @ 1800, 69 W Washington (Cook County), Group will gather for their cause “Gun Violence: Families Impacted by Gun Violence Demand Kim Foxx to Resign”
- 11/25 @ 0800, 400 S State to 300 N State, Group will gather/march for their event “Thanksgiving Parade”
- 11/26 @ 1700, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”
Notes/Analysis
* = Two separate protests are expected for the evening of any verdict announcement in the Rittenhouse trial; online interest is light/modest thus far
** = Competing demonstrations between right-wing anti-vaccine group and left-wing counterprotesters; turnout for previous occurrences involving these groups has been low
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- 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
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).
Titan Security is a proud participant in the leadership of the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee, dedicated to the safety of highrise commercial structures in the City of Chicago. Minutes from the most recent monthly meeting of the group are shared below.
- The virtual meeting was presented via Microsoft Teams, with approximately 65 attendees.
- The session was hosted by Ron Tabaczynski (BOMA) and Tom Henkey (Titan Security).
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was first on the agenda, with Protective Security Advisor James Ford offering guidance on critical infrastructure security and protection.
- Lieutenant Ralph Cruz from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) Detail Unit presented on an initiative by the law-enforcement agency to visit, tour, and train within commercial highrise structures. The Detail Unit brings special equipment and resources to major incident scenes, including active threats. Interested buildings are urged to contact Committee leadership for further information.
- Tom Henkey and Titan Security provided a recap of the recent Carlos Villarreal Memorial Annual Tabletop Exercise, held on November 2 and attended by more than 100 commercial real estate professionals. A range of takeaway materials on topics including workplace violence and de-escalation techniques were shared with event registrants.
- An update was provided on the status of the Kyle Rittenhouse murder trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As of Wednesday morning, closing arguments had been completed and the jury had just begun deliberations. Committee members were encouraged to prioritize the monitoring of the trial and verdict announcement.
- Public-sector partners provided reports/updates
- DHS: reminded participants that November was critical infrastructure month, and recapped their earlier presentation
- CPD, District 1: year-to-date criminal activity is up, including robberies and vehicle theft; upcoming special events include the Christkindl Market, the Millennium Park Tree Lighting, and the Thanksgiving Parade.
- CPD, District 18: mirrored the 1st District comments regarding crime trends; upcoming special events include the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (had login issues, relayed details via phone)
- Announcements included a reminder to monitor local media and notification systems for Rittenhouse verdict announcement; BOMA Slack channel dedicated to safety issues is another active outlet
- Next meeting of the Preparedness Committee will take place on Tuesday, December 21
The murder trial of Antioch teen Kyle Rittenhouse is nearing its conclusion in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Update 1: As of Thursday, November 11, the defense team had rested its case. Final arguments are anticipated on Monday, November 15, and the trial could go to the jury at that time. Titan Security will continue to closely monitor events in Wisconsin, and any related protest or demonstration activity in the Chicago area.
Update 2: As of Tuesday, November 16, the jury has officially started deliberations. There is no immediate indication indicating a verdict outcome, a hung jury, etc. The judge in the case has promised “at least” one hour of notice prior to any verdict announcement(s) being made. Two protests in the Chicago area have been announced for the evening of any verdict announcement – one in Millennium Park and one in Federal Plaza.
Update 3: As of the evening of Thursday, November 18, the jury in Kenosha has concluded its third day of deliberations without reaching a formal verdict. Jurors have been dismissed for the night and will resume deliberations on the morning of Friday, November 19.
Update 4: As of midday on Friday, November 19, the jury in the Kyle Rittenhouse has returned verdicts of not guilty on all five counts faced by the defendant. Again, Rittenhouse has been acquitted on all counts. We will continue to closely monitor any local impacts to Titan’s service area and Client sites.
Safety Tips In/Near Protest Activity
- 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).
Titan Security continues to partner with law enforcement and professional security organizations to monitor upcoming protest/demonstration activity and special events. An updated listing, with notes and analysis, is presented here.
Anticipated Demonstration/Event Activity
- 11/10 @ 10:00am, 71 S Wacker (Hyatt), Group will gather for their cause “Hold he Mega Rich Accountable! Goldman Sachs Direct Action”
- 11/11 @ 10:15am, 44 E Wacker (Vietnam Veteran Memorial), Group will gather for their cause “Veterans Day Ceremony”
- 11/12 @ 8:00am, 547 W Jackson (Metra HQ), Group will gather for their cause “Metra Union Rally”
- 11/12 @ 11:00am, 333 S State (Chicago Dept of Public Health), Group will gather for their cause “Save Our Children – Families Impacted by Gun Violence Protest at Dr. Arwady Office”
- 11/13 @ 10:00am, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “Justice for Keith LaMar Rally & 5K”
- 11/13 @ 12:00pm, 600 E Grand (Navy Pier), Group will gather for their cause “Save the Crystal Gardens”
- 11/14 @ 3:00pm, 806 N Michigan (Chicago Water Tower), Group will assemble for their campaign “PETA Dog BBQ Demonstration”
- 11/19 @ 11:00am, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather for their event “Christkindlmarket” (daily through 12/24; note that Washington Street will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
- 11/19 @ 6:30pm, 100 N Michigan (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Tree Lighting Ceremony”
- 11/19 @ 3:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Millennium Park Holiday Market” (daily through 11/21)
- 11/20 @ 5:00pm, 1000 N Michigan to 400 N Michigan, Group will gather/march for their event “Magnificent Mile Lights Festival”
- 11/25 @ 8:00am, 400 S State to 300 N State, Group will gather/march for their event “Thanksgiving Parade”
- 11/26 @ 5:00pm, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”
Notes/Analysis
- Chicago River bridges from Lake Michigan to 18th Street are lifted in succession Wed 11/10 starting at 9:30am; Expect localized traffic delays
- High-profile murder trials are currently ongoing in Wisconsin and Georgia; No current local impacts but anticipating a demonstration in Millennium Park on the evening of the Rittenhouse verdict announcement
- Expect street closures around Willis Tower on the morning of Saturday, 11/13 (drill), and Sunday, 11/21 (helicopter lift)
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- 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
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).