Chicago is prepared to host a safe and vibrant Democratic National Convention next month, federal, state and local officials said on Thursday, even as the Secret Service is still reeling from security failures surrounding the assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump.
At a news conference in downtown Chicago, elected officials and law enforcement leaders said that they had been in close coordination on security plans for the convention for more than a year. The event will take place for four days, starting on Aug. 19.
“Let me state this unequivocally: Chicago is ready,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat. He added: “Chicago is not just hosting another convention. We are welcoming another new breath of life into our nation with the historic nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Still, officials warned that the convention would take place in a heightened security environment. The director of the Secret Service, Kimberly A. Cheatle, resigned on Tuesday amid criticism over the shooting at a July 13 rally, which wounded Mr. Trump and resulted in the death of a rally attendee, Corey Comperatore.
,
Since the attack, the Secret Service has reviewed the security plan for the Democratic convention, said Derek Mayer, the deputy special agent in charge in the Chicago field office of the Secret Service.
“Our plan allows us to adjust for any possible scenario,” he said, adding that the agency successfully coordinated security for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this month. “We expect similar results in Chicago.”
