Democratic National Convention hit by bomb threats: Cops investigate ‘anti-semitic’ statements and warnings pipe bombs were placed at hotels
The Democratic National Convention was hit by a security alert on Tuesday as police investigated multiple bomb threats in downtown Chicago.
Several hotels near the convention reported receiving statements that prompted police searches.
The threats said pipe bombs had been placed at the Hotel Chicago West Loop and the Hyatt House Chicago, Fox 32 reported.
Officers also searched the Nobu Hotel.
The Democratic National Convention was hit by a security alert Tuesday as police investigated multiple bomb threats in downtown Chicago
Police investigating ‘anti-Semitic’ statements, warnings that pipe bombs were placed at hotels
Additional security fencing and a “No Flying Drones” sign have been added to the perimeter next to Park #578, north of the United Center, near the site of the Democratic National Convention.
Police cars near the scene of bomb threats in Chicago
The threats mentioned the four-day DNC at the United Center and made “anti-Semitic statements.”
The city is already in turmoil due to the massive police presence and the thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters who show up every day.
At least nine shootings took place on Monday in the city plagued by gun violence.
US President Joe Biden speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention
During the opening day of the congress on Monday, dozens of protesters broke through a security fence near the venue.
This happened as thousands of people took to the streets to express their opposition to the war in Gaza.
Families with babies in strollers, students, elected leaders and others carrying signs and flags joined the march to the United Center, where the convention is being held, to call for a ceasefire.
As the larger group walked on peacefully, several dozen people broke away and tore off pieces of the security fence.
Several protesters who managed to climb through the fence were detained and handcuffed by police.
A pro-Palestinian rally on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention
Officers donned gas masks as some protesters tried to tear down a second fence that had been put up for police.
According to authorities, the safety zone around the conference site had not been breached and there was no danger to those attending the conference.
Police in riot gear prepare to hold back a group of protesters at the outer perimeter during a protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago
According to Chicago Police Chief Larry Snelling, some protesters who had torn down the fence threw water bottles and other objects at police.
Police were able to de-escalate the situation without using batons or chemicals, he said.
“If people infiltrate a crowd and want to commit violent acts or vandalism, we will stop them,” Snelling said.
“We do not tolerate anyone destroying things in our city.”