Several hundred members of the Illinois National Guard are working with local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies to support the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. The activation of National Guard members was planned months in advance and in coordination with the City of Chicago, the U.S. Secret Service, and the State of Illinois. For security reasons, we will not release the exact numbers of activated members nor the locations of where they are posted.
“We all should take great comfort in knowing that a sizable, hardworking, and skilled workforce, including soldiers and airmen from communities across the State, will assist the City of Chicago during the Democratic National Convention,” said governor JB Pritzker. “The Illinois National Guard’s real-time intergovernmental collaboration will allow us to further secure civilian safety, protect critical infrastructure, and help people exercise their First Amendment rights.”
Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, emphasized the readiness and commitment of the troops. “Our soldiers and airmen are assisting civilian authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment during the Democratic National Convention,” Boyd said.
The Illinois National Guard routinely provides support services to local authorities during major events to maintain public safety, and the Democratic National Convention is no exception. The National Guard’s specialized units are trained to handle a wide range of scenarios where large crowds, dignitaries, and other high-profile participants are present. The National Guard usually deploys these units to advise local authorities on how to protect large gatherings of people.
—Illinois National Guard