Inside Secret Service’s DNC Communications Center
CHICAGO — Monitoring motorcades, threats, disturbances and other events linked to the Democratic National Convention is no small task.
WGN News got an inside look at how that information is processed and then shared with the public.
From suspicious activity near the United Center to protesters penetrating a fence Monday’s activities were tracked with the U.S. Secret Service running point.
Determining what to share with the public is a 24/7 job this week.
As President Joe Biden arrived in Chicago Monday afternoon he was one of nine protectees being monitored by the Secret Service, state police and even the FBI in a room at the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
Anthony Guglielmi is chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service.
More Coverage: 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago
“Our goal is to take this information – make sure nothing compromises security – and broadcast it out the city,” he said.
That includes road closures, security perimeters and explanations of what’s happening and where.
“I have a unique perspective,” Guglielmi said. “I worked five years for the Chicago Police Department. I can’t think of a better team to manage something on this scale than CPD.”
Sorting through the regular rhythms of the city and a potential disruption that needs to be quickly communicated to the public isn’t always simple.
Monday’s perimeter breach was resolved in less than a half hour and resulted in a handful of arrests.
That information was shared along with a rolling list of street closures.
Twenty law enforcement agencies are represented in the joint information center.
A recognition that informing the public is a priority right along with protecting DNC delegates.
After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Day 3 Recap:
Walz accepts Democratic nomination for vice president: ‘It’s the honor of my life’
Police and FBI investigate maggot incident at DNC breakfast in Chicago
Residents in shadow of United Center tire of DNC disruptions
Illinois student journalists get firsthand experience at the DNC
‘Blue Carpet:’ DNC delegates make fashion statements to stand out in the crowd
Crowds of pro-Palestinian protesters rally, march outside Democratic convention’s 3rd night
Photos: Celebs spotted at the DNC
The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.
WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
