Chicago City Wire

Christopher "CJ" Gallo, Committeeman of Chicago's Second Ward, stated that the Democratic National Convention (DNC) will lead to violence and attributed the blame to Democrats. Gallo made this statement to Chicago City Wire on August 16.

"The Democratic National Convention will be a disaster for Chicago," said "CJ" Gallo. "Democrat politicians at City Hall and the State Capitol have failed to prepare the City for what is guaranteed to be a violent week of clashes between police and extremist protestors, just like 1968. Brandon Johnson and JB Pritzker need to be held accountable for their failures. Chicago residents deserve better."

Politico reported on the inexperience of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in handling potential unrest during the DNC. "If there’s any mayor that understands the value of protest and demonstration, it’s me," Johnson said, responding to questions about possible unrest at the convention. He added, "Without protests and real demands of a government, people of color and women do not have a place in society." Johnson was elected mayor in 2023 and was previously an organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union before becoming mayor of the nation’s third-largest city.

WTTW News covered Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling’s preparations for DNC protests. Snelling said his department has handled numerous protests and believes DNC protests will differ from those following George Floyd’s death. WTTW News reported that Snelling estimated his force has successfully managed over 100 protests in the past year. The largest Republican National Convention (RNC) protest had around 3,000 participants, but DNC protests may reach up to 25,000 participants. Snelling is communicating with DNC protest groups in advance and emphasized, "People come here to protest and protest peacefully, and we’re going to protect their rights to do that."

CBS News highlighted security measures being taken ahead of the Chicago DNC. The primary focus of local security is establishing a secure perimeter around key locations such as the United Center and McCormick Place. Residents and businesses are being warned about traffic disruptions due to these measures; once the perimeter is erected, no cars or pedestrians will be allowed inside without clearance. Full lockdown at McCormick Place begins on August 16 at 10 PM, while restrictions at the United Center start on August 17 at 7 PM.

The Washington Post drew parallels between socio-political divisions during the 1968 Chicago DNC and current times. In both eras, Americans were protesting over foreign wars—Vietnam in 1968 and Gaza Strip in 2024. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination contributed to racial unrest during the convention in 1968. Violence broke out on day one, including tear gas use and clubbing by authorities. Many pro-Palestine protesters plan to demonstrate at the 2024 DNC in ways that one activist, Deanna Othman, described as "the equivalent of the 1968 DNC in Chicago."

According to the Second Ward Republicans website, Christopher "CJ" Gallo has been a resident of Old Town since 2020 and "was first elected as Republican Committeeman of Chicago's Second Ward on March 19th, 2024." As Committeeman, Gallo represents Republican voters within various levels of government.