We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Friday, June 25th through Sunday, July 4th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies

Friday, June 25th, 2021

• 11:00 am at 401 N Michigan (Apple store) to 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Protest Against the #TigrayGenocide.”
• 5:00 pm at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “Safer Streets for Biking.”
• 6:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”

Saturday, June 26th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Abolish ICE & No Kids in Cages.”
• 3:00 pm at 377 E Monroe (Butler Field). The group will gather for their cause “Pride in the Park 2021.” (Ticketed and permitted event; daily attendance could reach 20,000)

Sunday, June 27th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “Pride Without Prejudice March.”
• 1:00 pm at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for this cause “Unmask Our Children Now Rally.”
• 3:00 pm at 377 E Monroe (Butler Field). The group will gather for their cause “Pride in the Park 2021.” (Ticketed and permitted event; daily attendance could reach 20,000)

Saturday, July 3rd, 2021

• 11:00 pm at 1521 S Linn White (Northerly Island). The group will gather for their cause/event “City Holiday Fireworks Display.”

Sunday, July 4th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park). The group will gather for their cause “2nd annual March/Boycott 4th of July: Police Brutality.” (Note time/location change)

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
• NotifyChicago Notification System – 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).

Below is a summary of what was discussed at the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 15th. The meeting was hosted by Ron Tabaczynski (BOMA), Erin Belknap (Sterling Bay), and Tom Henkey (Titan).

The meeting included members of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), Chicago Police Department (CPD), Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Metra, and ChicagoFIRST.

Appreciation for Longtime Member Martha Meegan

• Committee leadership expressed appreciation for longtime member Martha Meegan, who is retiring from ChicagoFIRST at the end of the month. Martha previously served in safety roles with Columbia College and the SCOPE association.

Downtown Re-Occupancy

• Ron provided a commercial building re-occupancy update on behalf of BOMA/Chicago, noting that the process had accelerated significantly;
• The holidays seem to be used as markers for individual tenants.

COVID-19 Update

• Tom provided a brief update on the COVID pandemic, noting the statewide Phase 5 recovery status and a positive test rate of less than 1%.

Public Sector Updates:

CFD:

• Fire safety director courses will be returning to live and in-person formats soon;
• Fire drills have also resumed in commercial highrise buildings.

CPD 1st District:

• The new acting commander of the District is Sheamus Mannion;
• Crimes stats are up slightly year-to-date;
• Motor-vehicle thefts stand out with significant increase;
• 12-hour shift staffing in place for CPD through the holiday weekend.

CPD 18th District:

• Reporting similar trends to 1st district;
• Beach attendance has also increased over the past two weeks.

OEMC:

• Monitoring Father’s Day and Juneteenth activities over the coming weekend;
• Additional operations center staffing in place;
• A reminder that commercial and residential exterior cameras can now be linked to OEMC.

DHS/CISA:

• Malware/ransomware best practices have been updated;
• Information was distributed to Titan emergency planning Clients last week.

Metra:

• Metra provided an update on their Multimedia Analytic Center (MAC) and a recent BOMA Preparedness Committee leadership visit. Various safety flyers and takeaways have been emailed to committee members.

Additional Information:
The highrise all-hazards, life-safety conference is planned for October 7th and October 8th;

• Sponsored by the CFD and held at Willis Tower;
• Hybrid format with 250 in-person public and private sector attendees;
• The intent is high-ranking speakers and free to attend;
• Materials have been emailed to committee members.

The BOMA Preparedness Committee will soon return to live, in-person meetings, with September, suggested as a target;

• Members also anticipate an “open” meeting and a tabletop exercise to be held this year.

Next Meeting:

• The next meeting is scheduled for July 20th, 2021, and held via Microsoft Teams.

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).

We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 16th through Sunday, June 27th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 735 N State (Holy Name Cathedral). The group will gather for their cause “For Faith and Life Rally.”

Thursday, June 17th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “1K Summer March.”
• 4:30 pm at 625 N Michigan (British Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Defend Courageous Journalism! Defend Julian Assange!”

Friday, June 18th, 2021

• 11:00 pm at 320 E Roosevelt (Grant Park, Former Site of Columbus Statue). The group will gather for the cause ““F*ck That Colonizer.”

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

• 10:00 am at 701 S State. The group will gather for their cause “March US 2021.”

Sunday, June 20th, 2021

• 2:00 pm at Howard/Clark to Chicago Loop. The group will gather for their cause “Car Caravan to Demand an End to the Economic War Against Cuba!” (Please note: Car caravan meeting on far north side, group has expressed intent to drive into Loop)

Monday, June 21st, 2021

• 11:00 am at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “March with the Coalition for Peace.”

Friday, June 25th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”

Saturday, June 26th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Abolish ICE & No Kids in Cages.”
• 3:00 pm at 377 E Monroe (Butler Field). The group will gather for their cause “Pride in the Park 2021.”

Sunday, June 27th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “Pride Without Prejudice March.”
• 3:00 pm at 377 E Monroe (Butler Field). The group will gather for their cause “Pride in the Park 2021.”

Sunday, July 4th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park). The group will gather for their cause (2nd annual March/Boycott 4th of July: Police Brutality.”

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
• NotifyChicago Notification System – 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).

Dear Clients and Contacts:

As states move to fully reopen, we are excited to continue to safely provide essential security services and hopeful to see you in person soon, if we haven’t already.

Titan’s leadership team and our Safety Committee continue to monitor public health guidelines and recommendations and are implementing appropriate policies as quickly as we can.  Our approach is a commitment to continuous improvement. 

The safety of Titan’s employees, as well as the safety of our clients and their visitors, remains Titan’s top priority.  Face coverings and social distancing (where possible) will remain mandatory for all Titan employees while at the workplace until further notice, regardless of vaccination status. If your building policy has a change regarding a general face covering requirement for security staff, please contact your Titan representative to discuss updating this policy at your particular site. 

Titan is committed to working with our clients to comply with site-specific directives to ensure every building is safe, secure, and protected to the greatest extent possible and we continue to follow a model of Educate and Motivate for vaccinations to keep our team members informed and engaged in making the best possible decisions for their health and their families.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding security coverage or Titan’s Commitment to a Safe Workplace for your site, please contact your Titan representative or the Titan office at (312) 902-3400.  We will continue to communicate with you via email and at SecureChicago.com.

Sincerely,

We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Friday, June 11th through Sunday, June 27th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies

Friday, June 11th, 2021

• 3:30 pm at 191 N Wacker. The group will gather for their cause “Pro-Palestinian Voices Are Being Silenced. Chicago, Stand For Justice!”
• 6:00 pm at 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park). The group will gather for their cause “Say Their Names!”

Saturday, June 12th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 122 S Michigan (Phillippine Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Rally to End Dependence Now! Protect Phillippine Sovereignty.”
• 6:00 pm at 100 W Erie (Chinese Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “612 Hong Kong Remembrance Chicago.”

Tuesday, June 15th, 2021

• 5:00 pm at 400 N Michigan (Wrigley Building). The group will gather for their cause “Derek Chauvin’s Sentencing: Justice 4 Chicago Families.”

Thursday, June 17th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “1K Summer March.”
• 4:30 pm at 625 N Michigan (British Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Defend Courageous Journalism! Defend Julian Assange!”

Friday, June 18th, 2021

• 11:00 pm at 320 E Roosevelt (Grant Park, Former Site of Columbus Statue). The group will gather for the cause ““F*ck That Colonizer.”

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

• 10:00 am at 701 S State. The group will gather for their cause “March US 2021.”

Monday, June 21st, 2021

• 11:00 am at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “March with the Coalition for Peace.”

Friday, June 25th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”

Saturday, June 26th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Abolish ICE & No Kids in Cages.”

Sunday, June 27th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “Pride Without Prejudice March.”

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
• NotifyChicago Notification System – 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).

We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 27th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021

• 8:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Vigil for Global Vaccine Access.”

Friday, June 4th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 455 Cityfront Plaza (Indian Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Remembering the 1984 Indian Army Attack on Golden Temple.”
• Unknown time at 100 W Erie (Chinese Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Tiananmen Massacre Anniversary – Chicago.”

Sunday, June 6th, 2021

• 3:00 pm at the northwest side to 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park). The group will gather for their cause “SOS 40th Day Car Caravan (Columbia).”

Saturday, June 12th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 122 S Michigan (Phillippine Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Rally to End Dependence Now! Protect Phillippine Sovereignty.”
• 6:00 pm at 100 W Erie (Chinese Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “612 Hong Kong Remembrance Chicago.”

Tuesday, June 15th, 2021

• 5:00 pm at 400 N Michigan (Wrigley Building). The group will gather for their cause “Derek Chauvin’s Sentencing: Justice 4 Chicago Families.”

Thursday, June 17th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “1K Summer March.”

Friday, June 18th, 2021

• 11:00 pm at 320 E Roosevelt (Grant Park, Former Site of Columbus Statue). The group will gather for the cause ““F*ck That Colonizer.”

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

• 10:00 am at 701 S State. The group will gather for their cause “March US 2021.”

Monday, June 21st, 2021

• 11:00 am at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “March with the Coalition for Peace.”

Friday, June 25th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”

Saturday, June 26th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Abolish ICE & No Kids in Cages.”

Sunday, June 27th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “Pride Without Prejudice March.”

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
• NotifyChicago Notification System – 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).

We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Tuesday, May 25th through Saturday, June 26th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

• 4:00 pm at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “Remembering George Floyd Rebellion: Press Conference to Pass the People’s Ordinance!”
• 5:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “George Floyd 8 Minutes & 46 Seconds Memorial/March.” (May be additional short-notice demonstrations in city and suburbs)

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

• 3:00 pm at 1028 N Rush Street. The group will gather for their cause “A One Fair Wage Day of Action.”
• 6:00 pm at 947 S Michigan (Grant Park). The group will gather for their cause ““Teach-In: The Ongoing Nakba (Palestine).”

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

• The time is to be determined at 1501 W Randolph Street (Union Park). The group will gather for their cause “FTP at the FOP: Autonomous F12 Noise Demo.”

Friday, May 28th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”

Saturday, May 29th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at a TBD Loop location (possibly School of Art Institute). The group will gather for their cause “Anniversary of the Murder of George Flyoyd: Art Build + Action.”
• 1:00 pm at a TBD Loop location. The group will gather for their cause “#DefundCPD Rally.”
• 4:30 pm at 100 N Riverside (Boeing HQ). The group will gather for their cause “National Day of Protest.”

Sunday, May 30th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Rise Up For Palestine!” (The event will likely include a march to the Israeli Consulate at 500 W Madison)

Tuesday, June 15th, 2021

• 5:00 pm at 400 N Michigan (Wrigley Building). The group will gather for their cause “Derek Chauvin’s Sentencing: Justice 4 Chicago Families.”

Thursday, June 17th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “1K Summer March.”

Friday, June 18th, 2021

• 11:00 pm at 320 E Roosevelt (Grant Park, Former Site of Columbus Statue). The group will gather for the cause ““F*ck That Colonizer.”

Saturday, June 26th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Abolish ICE & No Kids in Cages.”

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
• NotifyChicago Notification System – 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).

Below is a summary of what was discussed at the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 18th. The meeting was hosted by Ron Tabaczynski (BOMA), Erin Belknap (Sterling Bay), and Tom Henkey (Titan).

The meeting included members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Metra, and ChicagoFIRST.

Protest and Civil Unrest Overview and Recap

• Pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place on May 12th and May 16th;
• There are pending events by the same group on May 23rd and May 30th

Downtown Re-Occupancy

• There was a discussion of downtown Chicago’s re-occupancy and accelerated time frame for commercial office tenants 

Chicago Public-Private Task Force (CPPTF) 

There was a discussion of the CPPTF projects with potential impacts on the commercial sector. Below is the list of projects:

• Credentialing
• Public/Private Camera Sharing
• FIMS/CP3
• Carjacking Prevention
• City Evacuation
• Communication Mechanisms

Cyber Security / Ransomware Attacks

• There was a review of recent ransomware attacks by DHS/CISA;
• It is strongly recommended to practice good “cyber hygiene” on vital systems, and informing employees of phishing techniques;
• The new CISA new web portal for ransomware is www.cisa.govransomware

COVID-19 Update

• There was an update provided on the current coronavirus status with an emphasis on new/revised mask mandates, and concerns by employers and managers to verify vaccine status

Public Sector Updates:

OEMC:

• Protest updates and messaging is ongoing;
• Occupancy and tourism increasing in Central Business District;
• Smart 911 initiative now includes optional sharing of external residential cameras

CPD 1st District:

• Crime statistics are up year-to-date, with 2020 exceptionally slow;
• Special events are slowly returning in June and July

CPD 18th District:

• Crime trends up, including thefts of delivery vehicles left open and running;
• Special events pending for summer months

Metra:

• Ridership is up slightly in recent weeks;
• The Metra PD is monitoring Ogilvie Station for protests related to Israeli Consulate in offices above

ChicagoFIRST:

• Reviewing the use of technologies to verify vaccine status for returning employees in the financial sector

Next Meeting:

• The next meeting is scheduled for June 15th, 2021, and held via Microsoft Teams;
• Future meetings may return to in-person status pending further social distancing and mask guidance

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).

Opinion and Thought Leadership
By Tom Henkey, CEM
Director of Emergency Management, Titan Security Group

We are living in very interesting times. To cite just one recent example, the riotous violence at the U.S. Capitol in January was shocking.  Seeing the seat of representative democracy being breached and ransacked by domestic extremists – in the midst of a pandemic – is certainly nothing I ever expected to witness in my lifetime.

But it also provided a valuable lesson to everyone responsible for the safe operation of any large building or facility. Whether in a role as a building owner, property manager, engineer, or security professional, we must all heed this warning. Preparing for one hazard is not enough, we must collectively embrace all-hazards planning. A pair of initial reports on the January 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol display the critical importance of being able to track multiple threats or hazards, and what happens when those in charge fail to do so.

The U.S. House of Representatives drafted Retired General Russel Honoré to compose an initial report on the incidents leading up to and including January 6. Just weeks following the event, Honoré released a blunt assessment of the failings of multiple responsible parties to secure the seat of representative democracy. He specifically noted a lack of recognition of the threat posed by an unruly mob provoked by fiery political speeches just blocks from the Capitol, and a lack of adequate staffing and equipment for those assigned to protect the facility. The Honoré report may be found here: https://www.scribd.com/document/497886680/Read-Capitol-security-review-report#from_embed

A more recent report by Architect of the Capitol Inspector General Christopher P. Failla came to very similar conclusions. While the office of the Architect of the Capitol is not a household name to most Americans, it has responsibility for the daily maintenance and operation of the Capitol and surrounding buildings, and reports directly to the U.S. Congress. In his report, released April 27, Failla notes the glaring lack of planning and training for and by Capitol staff, where topics tended to focus on severe weather. In fact, not a single drill or exercise in 2019 or 2020 focused on the threats of protestors or civil unrest. The Architect of the Capitol report may be found here: https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/oig-reports/AOC/Flash-Report-SeriesAOC-Emergency-Preparedness-2021-0002-IE-P.pdf

Taken together, these initial reports represent a pretty glaring lack of planning and preparation for a clear risk. So what does a property owner, manager, engineer, or security director do to counter such a broad range of potential threats?

On a local level we can take a wide ranges of proactive steps to manage such risk. Recognition is a key first step, as ignoring multiple intelligence reports prior to January 6 all-too clearly displayed. Yet potential solutions abound. All-hazards planning has been around the emergency management community for decades, yet is just starting to gain wider recognition and acceptance. A critical and foundational step for any organization is a thorough and honest risk assessment. Any solid emergency operations plan will then specifically address each and every identified hazard. And ultimately, our teams must be prepared to handle multiple crises simultaneously. (Pandemic and civil unrest, anyone?)

On a more macro level, we can work together as a sector to set expectations, coordinate with law enforcement agencies, and share best practices with one another. As Failla noted, we have a responsibility to “address known and unknown threats such as active shooter, workplace violence, protestors, and civil disturbances.” Addressing such a wide-ranging threat cannot take place in a bubble and must be a collaborative effort utilizing all available partners.

It is incumbent on those of us responsible for protecting people or facilities to truly prepare for all hazards – not just the ones we choose to address. We must proactively seek out intelligence and insight into our organization’s potential risks, and plan accordingly. It can be a dynamic and dangerous world out there, but all-hazards planning has the capability to bring some order to the chaos.

We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Friday, May 14th through Sunday, May 30th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below along with a public safety advisory regarding the Gaza Strip Violence.

Illinois Public Safety Advisory Regarding the Gaza Strip Violence

Below is information based on a recent intelligence note on May 13th from the Statewide Terrorism & Intelligence Center (STIC). Please note below the scheduled protests regarding the violence on Sunday, May 16th, Sunday May 23rd, and Sunday May 30th.

Future events related to the violence in the Gaza Strip could occur in Illinois. Maintaining constant awareness of the current environment and available information is a measure for law enforcement and public safety partners to consider as it relates to this or similar events. Violent extremists could exploit otherwise peaceful protests as a platform to further their cause. Currently, the STIC is not aware of any specific threats in Illinois. It should be noted that all peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment.

Any of the below-listed activities can be deemed indicators of suspicious behavior and could be indicative of preparation for an attack:

• Surveillance: Monitoring or recording facilities and activities
• Elicitation: Attempts to gain information
• Tests of Security: Trying to breach security and measure response times
• Acquiring Supplies: Collecting supplies needed for an attack
• Suspicious Persons Out of Place: People who do not appear to belong
• Dry Run or Trial Run: Practice runs
• Deploying Assets: People and supplies are in place to carry out an attack

---

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies

Friday, May 14th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 806 N Michigan (Water Tower Place). The group will gather for their cause “No Justice No Peace: Take Over Water Tower.”

Saturday, May 15th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at the Buckingham Fountain. The group will gather for their cause “World Wide Rally for Freedom: Chicago.”
• 5:00 pm at 560 W Grand. The group will gather for their cause “Save Local News Rally.”

Sunday, May 16th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Erev Shavuot for Palestine.”
• 1:00 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Rise Up for Palestine.” (The event will likely include a march to the Israeli Consulate at 500 W Madison)

Monday, May 17th, 2021

• 5:00 pm at 141 W Jackson (Chicago Board of Trade). The group will gather for their cause “Tax Day Rally: Raise Up IL.”
• 5:00 pm at W Adams and S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Tax Day Protest.”

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

• 11:30 am at 1501 W Randolph (Union Park). The group will gather for their cause “Day of Action for $15.”

Thursday, May 20th, 2021

• 7:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “This Must End: Vigil for Palestine.”

Friday, May 21st, 2021

• 4:30 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Protest for Palestine.”
• 6:30 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Shabbat in the Streets for a Free Palestine.”

Saturday, May 22nd, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 806 N Michigan (Water Tower Place). The group will gather for their cause “In Solidarity, We Stand Against Dictatorship – #NoMoreCoup (Thailand).”
• 3:00 pm at multiple locations including the Colombian Consulate at 500 N Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “March for Colombia! Solidarity with Colombia!”

Sunday, May 23rd, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Raise Up for Palestine!” (The event will likely include a march to the Israeli Consulate at 500 W Madison)

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

• 11:00 am at 227 W Monroe (Amazon Chicago). The group will gather for their cause Eyes on Amazon Shareholder Action and Protest.”
• 5:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “George Floyd 8 Minutes & 46 Seconds Memorial/March.” (May be additional short-notice demonstrations in city and suburbs)

Friday, May 28th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”

Saturday, May 29th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at a TBD Loop location (possibly School of Art Institute). The group will gather for their cause “Anniversary of the Murder of George Flyoyd: Art Build + Action.”

Sunday, May 30th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Rise Up For Palestine!” (The event will likely include a march to the Israeli Consulate at 500 W Madison)

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
• NotifyChicago Notification System – 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).