The Chicago Police Department has recorded eight shootings, four of which were fatal, and one armed robbery on Monday, the first day of the Democratic National Convention in the Windy City. That compares to a total of 26 shooting incidents involving 30 total victims, five of whom died over the weekend leading up to the DNC as local and federal officials offered additional protection during the convention and mass protests in downtown Chicago.
The Chicago Police Department has recorded eight shootings, four of which were fatal, and one armed robbery on Monday, the first day of the Democratic National Convention in the Windy City.
That compares to a total of 26 shooting incidents involving 30 total victims, five of whom died over the weekend leading up to the DNC as local and federal officials offered additional protection during the convention and mass protests in downtown Chicago.
DNC Day 1: 24 Shots, 5 Fatalities, 1 Armed Robbery
The latest shooting occurred just before 11 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of East Cermak Road, where a 25-year-old man was shot in the head and killed.
Earlier in the day, a 22-year-old man was shot and killed in the 1100 block of West 79th Street, and a 32-year-old man was shot and killed in the 700 block of East 47th Street.
DNC Day 1: 24 Shots, 5 Fatalities, 1 Armed Robbery
In addition, a 56-year-old man was shot and killed in the 1200 block of South Pulaski Road, and a 29-year-old man was shot and killed in the 1300 block of West 63rd Street.
The armed robbery occurred just before 9 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of East Cermak Road, where a 40-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint.
The DNC is scheduled to run through Thursday, and police are expecting large crowds and protests throughout the week.
The Chicago Police Department has deployed additional officers to the area, and the city has also activated its emergency operations center.
The DNC is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Chicago, and the city is hoping to avoid a repeat of the violence that occurred during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
In 1968, police clashed with protesters outside the convention, and the violence was captured on live television. The images of police beating protesters helped to turn public opinion against the Vietnam War and contributed to the election of Richard Nixon as president.
Police are hoping to avoid a repeat of that violence this year, and they have been working with community groups to de-escalate tensions.
However, there is always the potential for violence at large political gatherings, and the DNC is no exception.
The Chicago Police Department is prepared to respond to any violence that may occur, and they are urging protesters to remain peaceful.
