As Chicago gears up for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, downtown businesses are taking no chances, drawing eerie parallels to the unrest that swept through the city in 2020. With thousands of pro-Hamas protesters and other activists expected to converge on the Windy City, store owners are fortifying their storefronts, hoping to shield themselves from potential chaos.

Scott Schapiro, the owner of Syd Jerome, a prominent menswear shop on Clark Street, is one of many business owners who have opted for caution. Having experienced the devastation of looting on four separate occasions, Schapiro isn’t willing to leave anything to chance this time around.

“You get that phone call in the middle of the night, and it feels like your heart is about to leap out of your chest,” Schapiro shared. “We want to sleep a little more soundly at night, and boarding up the windows gives us that extra layer of security. Of course, we hope that there won’t be any incidents, but if something does happen, we want to be prepared.”

Despite the precautions, Schapiro plans to keep his store open throughout the convention, which runs from August 19 to August 22. However, he’s ready to close up shop at the first sign of trouble. “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he added. “Retailers are eternal optimists. We always believe that tomorrow will be better than today, but experience has taught us that it’s wise to prepare for the worst.”

City officials, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, have attempted to quell concerns, insisting that the city is well-prepared for the event. Johnson expressed confidence in the city’s readiness, while Pritzker dismissed fears that the convention could spiral into chaos similar to the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention.

“I feel pretty good about the situation,” Pritzker told NBC Chicago. “The only real question is whether we’ve allocated enough space and protection in key areas of the city.”

As Chicago stands on the brink of a potentially tumultuous week, the tension in the air is palpable. For business owners like Schapiro, the stakes are high, and the lessons of the past loom large. Whether these precautions will prove necessary remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Chicago is preparing for anything.

Video below:

Businesses in Downtown Chicago are now boarding up their stores in preparation for the Democratic National Convention

Owners are terrified Kamala Harris supporters may erupt in violence and loot their stores again

When Republicans were in Milwaukee, no businesses boarded up… pic.twitter.com/9qc44asIoA

— George (@BehizyTweets) August 17, 2024

Chicago businesses are boarding up because of the DNC.

Isn’t it funny how the party of tolerance and joy comes to town and everyone has to brace for violence? pic.twitter.com/fz1bPU1lvV

— BLAIRE WHITE (@MsBlaireWhite) August 17, 2024

Business owners must do this and for comparison, the businesses were more than happy when The RNC was in town!

However this must be a warning sign for Chicago residents as they vote for the people who brought this to their town!

The Democrats are currently building a MASSIVE wall around their convention in Chicago

This is PEAK irony as they called walls racist!

Video below:

In June, Chicago’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report warning that the city and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) are unprepared for the protestors.

Chicago is already facing a crisis with a major shortage of police officers.

At a public forum with the Commission for Public Safety and Accountability last week, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said, “What we’re doing right now is making the best with the number of officers that we have.”
OPINION: This article contains commentary which reflects the author’s opinion
Reminder: The purpose of the articles that you will find on this website, are to EDUCATE, not to disinform or grow hate and anger!