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

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo

Last updated: Friday, August 23, 2024 11:34PM GMT

Chicago leaders celebrate successful DNC as dismantling begins

CHICAGO (WLS) -- After four days of viral speeches, surprise guests, protests, street closures and security measures culminating in the nomination of Kamala Harris for president, the 2024 Democratic National Convention is over.

Chicago officials are celebrating a job well done. Thousands of protesters expressed their opinions peacefully and Chicago police made less than 100 arrests over four days.

Starting early Friday morning, the security barriers were being dismantled and streets were reopening. All areas around the United Center and McCormick Place will be open again by Monday, August 26.

Aug 23, 2024, 11:06 AM

Removal of United Center, McCormick Place security perimeter timeline

Crews began to dismantle the fences and barricades around the United Center and McCormick Place early Friday now that the Chicago Democratic National Convention has ended.

Full security perimeter reopening timeline:

McCormick Place: (all times subject to change)

Thursday, August 22

6 p.m. Perimeter take-down set to begin.

Friday, August 23

3 p.m. All major intersections cleared. I-55 off-ramp will be open.

Sunday, August 25

6 a.m. - Cermak from Michigan to Indiana will be clear.

8 a.m. - All area open and 75% of assets cleared off curbs.

Monday, August 26

6 a.m. - 100% of assets removed - area completely reopened.

United Center perimeter reopening timeline (all times subject to change)

Friday, August 23

1 a.m. - Takedown to begin (subject to change)

Saturday, August 24

Noon - Damen, Wood, and Adams open (if possible)

Most major intersections cleared for traffic.

Sunday, August 25

11:59 p.m. - All areas open & 75% of assets cleared off curbs

Monday, August 26

11:59 p.m. - All assets removed, reopen complete.

Aug 21, 2024, 1:28 AM GMT

Several arrested at unauthorized downtown protest after protesters confront police

Several people were arrested at an unauthorized pro-Palestinian protest in downtown Chicago outside the Israeli Consulate on the second night of the DNC.

Protesters with Behind Enemy Lines gathered for speeches and a rally near the Ogilvie Transportation Center. A line of police kept them curtailed to about a block as they rallied but then they attempted to march south onto Clinton where they were confronted with a line of police.

Behind Enemy Lines protesters shove Chicago police during a protest outside the Israeli Consulate on the second day of the DNC.

Some shoving ensued and several people were taken into custody. While a line of police in riot gear were deployed others were seen leaving the scene and the tension seemed to be diffused fairly quickly.

The group's rally continues as of 7:50 p.m.

A line of Chicago police in riot gear forming a line to curtail protesters outside the Israeli Consulate in downtown Chicago on the second day of the DNC.

Aug 21, 2024, 12:09 AM GMT

Large police presence near Ogilvie, Israeli Consulate for planned protest

As some protesters began gathering downtown near the Israeli Consulate, there was a massive presence from Chicago police. Officers on bike and on foot far outnumbered the attendees shortly before 7 p.m.

The officers were not dressed in riot gear.

A group called Behind Enemy Lines said they will hold a rally at 7 p.m. The organization said prior to the Democratic National Convention, they've had multiple protests, distributed pamphlets and organized others to stand with Palestinians and denounce the DNC.

Shortly after 7 p.m., a few dozen protesters had arrived at the site.

ByEric Horng WLS logo

Aug 20, 2024, 11:03 PM GMT

Gov. JB Pritzker to cast Illinois' votes for Kamala Harris in roll call

The second night of the DNC features the ceremonial roll call, in which a representative of each delegation goes up and officially casts their state's votes for a candidate, in this case Kamala Harris.

Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Democratic Party Chair Lisa Hernandez will deliver Illinois' votes for Harris.

Aug 20, 2024, 11:00 PM GMT

Rapper Common rehearsed for DNC day 2 performance

ABC7 Chicago's cameras caught Oscar-winning rapper Common rehearsing, along with some friends, for a performance on the second night of the DNC.

Musical performances were not included in the official second night schedule released by the Democratic National Committee. Monday night a performance by James Taylor had to be nixed after programming ran long.