Notice of Protest Activity: May 14–30, 2021

We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Friday, May 14th through Sunday, May 30th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below along with a public safety advisory regarding the Gaza Strip Violence.

Illinois Public Safety Advisory Regarding the Gaza Strip Violence

Below is information based on a recent intelligence note on May 13th from the Statewide Terrorism & Intelligence Center (STIC). Please note below the scheduled protests regarding the violence on Sunday, May 16th, Sunday May 23rd, and Sunday May 30th.

Future events related to the violence in the Gaza Strip could occur in Illinois. Maintaining constant awareness of the current environment and available information is a measure for law enforcement and public safety partners to consider as it relates to this or similar events. Violent extremists could exploit otherwise peaceful protests as a platform to further their cause. Currently, the STIC is not aware of any specific threats in Illinois. It should be noted that all peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment.

Any of the below-listed activities can be deemed indicators of suspicious behavior and could be indicative of preparation for an attack:

• Surveillance: Monitoring or recording facilities and activities
• Elicitation: Attempts to gain information
• Tests of Security: Trying to breach security and measure response times
• Acquiring Supplies: Collecting supplies needed for an attack
• Suspicious Persons Out of Place: People who do not appear to belong
• Dry Run or Trial Run: Practice runs
• Deploying Assets: People and supplies are in place to carry out an attack

Scheduled Protests/Assemblies

Friday, May 14th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 806 N Michigan (Water Tower Place). The group will gather for their cause “No Justice No Peace: Take Over Water Tower.”

Saturday, May 15th, 2021

• 12:00 pm at the Buckingham Fountain. The group will gather for their cause “World Wide Rally for Freedom: Chicago.”
• 5:00 pm at 560 W Grand. The group will gather for their cause “Save Local News Rally.”

Sunday, May 16th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Erev Shavuot for Palestine.”
• 1:00 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Rise Up for Palestine.” (The event will likely include a march to the Israeli Consulate at 500 W Madison)

Monday, May 17th, 2021

• 5:00 pm at 141 W Jackson (Chicago Board of Trade). The group will gather for their cause “Tax Day Rally: Raise Up IL.”
• 5:00 pm at W Adams and S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Tax Day Protest.”

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

• 11:30 am at 1501 W Randolph (Union Park). The group will gather for their cause “Day of Action for $15.”

Thursday, May 20th, 2021

• 7:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “This Must End: Vigil for Palestine.”

Friday, May 21st, 2021

• 4:30 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Protest for Palestine.”
• 6:30 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Shabbat in the Streets for a Free Palestine.”

Saturday, May 22nd, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 806 N Michigan (Water Tower Place). The group will gather for their cause “In Solidarity, We Stand Against Dictatorship – #NoMoreCoup (Thailand).”
• 3:00 pm at multiple locations including the Colombian Consulate at 500 N Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “March for Colombia! Solidarity with Colombia!”

Sunday, May 23rd, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Raise Up for Palestine!” (The event will likely include a march to the Israeli Consulate at 500 W Madison)

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

• 11:00 am at 227 W Monroe (Amazon Chicago). The group will gather for their cause Eyes on Amazon Shareholder Action and Protest.”
• 5:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “George Floyd 8 Minutes & 46 Seconds Memorial/March.” (May be additional short-notice demonstrations in city and suburbs)

Friday, May 28th, 2021

• 6:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”

Saturday, May 29th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at a TBD Loop location (possibly School of Art Institute). The group will gather for their cause “Anniversary of the Murder of George Flyoyd: Art Build + Action.”

Sunday, May 30th, 2021

• 1:00 pm at 500 S Michigan. The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Rise Up For Palestine!” (The event will likely include a march to the Israeli Consulate at 500 W Madison)

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
• NotifyChicago Notification System – 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).