City of Chicago Security Briefing and Protest Activity from April 9–21, 2021

The City of Chicago hosted a security briefing on Thursday, April 8th, to discuss the Chauvin Trial, Toledo bodycam footage, and anticipated protest activity concerns. Below is a recap of the briefing as well as scheduled protest activity for April 9–21. 

Chauvin Trial:

• The prosecution is expected to rest today or Monday, and the Defense is only likely to call in a couple of expert witnesses
• The jury could get a case late next week, or early the following week at the latest
• A quick verdict is hoped for as this will be a favorable sign and allow less opportunity for protest activity

Toledo Bodycam Footage:

• The city will review the video footage with the family next week, and they will make a decision together on whether or not to release the video to the public

Protest Activities Update:

• Both of these events could conclude at roughly the same time. The city is expecting the worst but hoping for the best
• The city has no anticipated concerns as all activities look to be peaceful but will be preparing for unrest starting Friday
• Protests are expected to increase starting in the middle of next week and will continue for at least another week
• When the City of Chicago’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated, the private seat will be made available
• There is plenty of preparation time to plan a response if needed
• The activities from last year, the timeline, and how they developed have been analyzed
• Response plans, the Retail Corridor Plan, and the shutting down of critical infrastructure have been updated to incorporate lessons learned from the past year
• CIRT/Safety Team/TAC Teams will be used to supplement normal beat presence
• No plan or recommendation regarding board-ups for buildings at this time

COVID-19 Update:

• The City of Chicago is currently about 50% open and wants to remain at that level. Events at hotels are forecasted for late summer or early fall

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies from April 9–April 21, 2021

Ongoing Protests through April

• Unknown time at 110 N Carpenter (McDonald’s HQ). The group will gather for their cause “Don’t Be McFooled. Stop Systemic Racism.”

Friday, April 9th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 111 S Michigan (Art Institute). The group will gather for their cause “Free R. Kelly Due Process Raising Awareness of People being Presumed Guilty before the Trial.”

Saturday, April 10th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park). The group will gather for their cause “Free R. Kelly Due Process Raising Awareness of People being Presume Guilty before the trial.”

Sunday, April 11th, 2021

• 10:30 am at 801 S Loomis (Arrigo Park). The group will gather for their cause “Save Columbus, Save Chicago Arrigo Park Rally.”
• 12:00 pm at 700 N Michigan (Saks Fifth Avenue). The group will gather for their cause “Saks Fifth Avenue Fur Protest.”
• 1:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Farmers Protest – Rally to Support Indian Farmers.”
• 4:00 pm at 625 N Michigan (British Consulate). The group will gather for their cause “Drop the Charges. Journalism is not a Crime. Free Assange Now.”

Wednesday, April 14th, 2021

• 11:15 am at 1200 S Lake Shore (Shedd Aquarium) to 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “We Want to Work Drive-By Protest for 10,000 Jobs! (Weekly protest on Wednesdays)

Friday, April 16th, 2021

• 5:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “End Student Loan Debt Protest.”

Saturday, April 17th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at 401 N Wabash (Trump Tower). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Trump Flag Wave/Rally and March.”

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021

• Approximate date of Floyd/Chauvin verdict announcement; expect short-notice events (including “Verdict Action: Chauvin Murder Trial” expected in Federal Plaza).

Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

• 9:00 am at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “Pass the People’s Ordinance!”

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

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).