A Texas delegate attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago was robbed [1] at gunpoint early Wednesday morning, adding to a series of violent incidents that have plagued the city during the convention.
The robbery occurred around 2:00 a.m. in the 100 block of West Randolph Street, not far from the Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago, where the delegate was staying.
The delegate, a 25-year-old man, was walking with a friend when a black Range Rover pulled up alongside them.
According to reports from CWBChicago [2] and Fox News [3], two armed men wearing ski masks exited the vehicle.
The suspects first targeted a 25-year-old man walking on the sidewalk near the hotel, before crossing the street to confront the delegate and a female companion.
The robbers took the delegate’s wallet and hotel room key. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Chicago police have indicated that the suspects, described as Black males dressed in black clothing and standing between 5’7″ and 5’9″, are believed to be responsible for a string of robberies across the city.
These incidents have raised concerns about safety in the area during the DNC.
The robbery of the Texas delegate is just one of several similar crimes reported in recent days.
On Monday morning, a robbery occurred in the 200 block of West 23rd Street, where the same suspects allegedly targeted victims. Early Tuesday, the pair reportedly robbed three individuals outside the Emily Hotel on North Morgan Street.
In both cases, the suspects were seen driving a black Range Rover, matching the description provided by the delegate and other victims.
The violent crime spree comes as Chicago faces a broader surge in violence.
On the same day as the delegate’s robbery, the Chicago Police Department recorded nine shootings, one of which was fatal, along with a stabbing.
This follows a particularly violent weekend leading up to the convention, during which 26 shooting incidents resulted in 30 victims, five of whom died.
Amid the ongoing DNC, Chicago police have been working to manage the situation, particularly in light of continued anti-Israel demonstrations that have persisted for three consecutive nights.
The city’s crime wave has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump criticizing Democrats and Kamala Harris for their record on crime.
Trump pointed out that Chicago, despite having a population one-third the size of New York City, has outpaced it in homicides, according to police statistics.
The increase in crime has heightened concerns about the safety of delegates and residents alike as the DNC continues in Chicago.
Despite the police presence and efforts to secure the area, the series of robberies and other violent incidents underscore the ongoing challenges facing the city.
The Chicago Police Department has issued an alert regarding the suspects involved in these robberies and is actively investigating the incidents.
Both the DNC and Chicago police have yet to provide further comments on the delegate’s robbery or the broader crime situation during the convention.
As the investigation continues, delegates and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while in the city.