Chicago police warn: Vandalism will ‘not be tolerated’ during DNC – NBC Chicago

As Chicago prepares for the Democratic National Convention and the protests that may accompany it, concerns are growing about the city’s beloved monuments after vandals targeted the famous Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park over the weekend.

The concerns arose after the famous Cloud Gate building, also known as “The Bean,” officially reopened after nearly a year of construction. At the same time, the Buckingham Fountain was vandalized and had to be closed for several hours. Vandals turned the water in the fountain red and green and left messages about the war in Gaza around the fountain.

However, with protests expected to increase in Chicago in the run-up to and during the DNC, city police officials said “vandalism and violence of any kind will not be tolerated.”

“The Chicago Police Department has been preparing for the upcoming Democratic National Convention since Chicago was announced as a host city one year ago and continues to do so. Our training focuses heavily on responding to large-scale First Amendment-related activities,” the police department said in a statement to NBC Chicago on Monday. “As always, we will protect those exercising their constitutional rights, as well as those working, living or visiting the demonstration areas. If dispersal orders are issued for public safety reasons, we will initially seek voluntary compliance, consistent with the police department’s policy regarding First Amendment rights. Those who continue to violate dispersal orders after a reasonable period of time will be arrested.”

About two months before the Democratic National Convention in August, Chicago police are stepping up training efforts to ensure the safety of party-goers.

Chicago Police Chief Larry Snelling says it is equally important for officers to respect the protesters’ First Amendment rights while protecting public safety interests during the convention.

The Democratic Party Convention will take place from August 19 to 22 at the United Center and McCormick Place in Chicago.