Chicago DNC 2024 security fences coming down, streets reopening as officials celebrate success

The first DNC protest took over the Loop Sunday, lasting nearly four hours.

The massive crowd remained mostly peaceful, as they marched to Grant Park.

Two people were arrested in the 600-block of Wabash Avenue, which is where the protest began, Chicago police said.

A 23-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man were both arrested for misdemeanor was arrested for criminal defacement of property and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

CPD did not release their names.

READ MORE | Protest march planned in Union Park on 1st day of DNC in Chicago

State troopers are stationed near exits along the express lanes to help politicians avoid traffic during the Democratic convention.

ABC7 Chicago confirmed that some delegates are allowed to use the reversible lanes throughout the DNC.

State troopers are stationed near exits of the express lanes to help politicians avoid traffic during the Democratic convention.

The lanes are still shut down for the public.

Democrats held celebrations Sunday in Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention. The Reverend Jesse Jackson was praised for his years of activism at one event.

In less than 24 hours, the DNC will officially be underway. The mayor and governor, along with other leaders, hosted parties to welcome delegates to town.

There was also another celebration tonight for the Reverend Jesse Jackson. He praised tonight as someone who blazed the trail with because of his civil rights work and his progressive agenda blazed the trail for President Barack Obama, and now for Vice President Kamala Harris.

The celebration was held at Rainbow Push headquarters. The icon of the civil rights movement and two time presidential candidate in 1984 and '88, praised for his life time of work on the eve of the Democratic National Convention.

"Reverend Jesse Jackson blazed the trail for every elected official that you're going to see on that DNC stage over the next several days," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal from Washington with the Chair Progressive Caucus. "We are here on your shoulders, Reverend, we are here because you blazed a path for us."

The DNC is set to welcome more than 50,000 people to Chicago for the convention which kicks off Monday night. Governor JB Pritzker said he's he's confident that the security plan for the DNC will keep people safe.

Chicago won the bid for the DNC in part because of Chicago's strong ties to organized labor. Now it is prepared to help get Kamala Harris elected.

"It's a street fight," AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler said. "We're going to have to get every single person out to vote, and we only have 79 days left to do that. So it's urgent. And I think people are feeling the excitement, the energy that this convention will then take back to their communities."

Democrats held celebrations Sunday in Chicago ahead of the DNC. Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr. was praised for his years of activism at one event.

Metal fencing is fortifying multiple North Side hotels where DNC delegates and Vice President Kamala Harris will be staying during the Chicago Democratic National Convention.

Sirens signaled the arrival of Vice President Kamala Harris to Chicago as the Secret Service ushered her motorcade into a hotel in Gold Coast Sunday evening. That's where she'll stay until she takes center stage at the DNC on Thursday.

The metal barriers are making travel in the area difficult. Traffic will be restricted in the area, according to OEMC.

People cheered from behind the metal fencing as the Vice President arrived.

"I kind of saw the police and stuff, and I figured that, maybe, I get a chance to see her," said Penny Melquist who is visiting from Oregon.

North Wabash from East Chestnut to East Delaware Place is closed through Wednesday, and more closures will come Monday, making getting around the Near North Side community this week rather difficult.

"We saw some who had just pulled in from a trip to Target, and they had to unload their trunk and the guys were going through all their bags," Streeterville resident Robert Bailey said. "I'm glad so many people will be coming and enjoying Chicago."

Whether it's history or a hassle, it's an inconvenience some are willing to endure.

"We were just eating dinner and we're trying to leave, and we're kind of stuck," West Town resident Allan Weinberger said.

Normal parking operations will be maintained outside of the security perimeter.

A full list of street closures and parking restrictions across the city for the DNC can be found here.

Metal fencing is fortifying multiple North Side hotels where DNC delegates and Vice President Kamala Harris will be staying during the Chicago Democratic National Convention.