A couple weeks ago we reported on the Urban Warfare training that was going on in Downtown Chicago. Now there are growing fears that those drills were in preparation for major problems during next months NATO Summit. A leaked email, from the Milwaukee Red Cross, is warning that government officials are actually planning to evacuate Chicago in the event of trouble.
As unlikely as it may sound, CBS 2 News in Chicago is reporting that government officials, in the Secret Services and the Department of Homeland Security, are secretly planning for the possibility of having to evacuate Chicago.
CBS 2 News has obtained a copy of an e-mail sent to volunteers from the Milwaukee area branch of the American Red Cross.
The email warns volunteers that the NATO summit “may create unrest or another national security incident. The American Red Cross in southeastern Wisconsin has been asked to place a number of shelters on standby in the event of evacuation of Chicago.”
The Red Cross claims that the directive came directly from the “City of Chicago and the Secret Service.”
NOT JUST A DRILL:
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications called last weeks urban warfare drills a “routine training exercise”, but with this new information coming out of the Milwaukee area branch of the American Red Cross, you really have to wonder what’s going on in Chicago. Were last weeks drills really “routine”, or was it part of a larger plan that includes the evacuation of Chicago?
Chicago was already on edge after news broke earlier this week that a number of residents had been asked to leave their condos in preparation for major rioting.
A number of local residents received letters that read:
“We are STRONGLY recommending that all residents find places to stay during the conference from May 18 through May 21.”
“In the event of a riot or the potential of one near the building, all access doors will be locked including the garage door,” the letter continues. “For everyone’s safety, we will be instructing anyone in the building to stay in his or her unit.”
As we draw closer to the NATO summit in Chicago, a number of prominent government officials are also starting to warn people to get out of Chicago. Alderman Bob Fioretti, whose district will be most affected by security efforts, was warning residents to leave town during the summit. He told local reporters “I’ve been advising people, if they can afford it, leave town.”
What should you do?
Having an emergency evacuation plan is critical in any situation. If things go bad during the summit, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard. If I lived in Chicago, I would immediately start planning for the worst case scenario. (it’s better to be safe than sorry)
If you can, leave ahead of time. Why take the chance of being caught up in something that could quickly turn into a life threatening situation.
If you do stay, you need to have a plan of action. Keep in mind that during a disaster most of the major highways are going to be completely clogged with people trying to get out. Plan now, and map out as many escape routes as possible.
Put together an emergency bug out bag – A Bug out bag is basically a large survival kit filled with everything you need to survive. The government often recommends that you need at least 72 hours worth of supplies on hand at all times. Since most major disasters usually last longer than 72 hours, we think it’s a good idea to pack your bag for an indefinite period of time.
May 2nd, 2012, 13:04
American Patriot
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
I don't see why they think this is going to be a problem. NATO meets all over the place, all the time. They've even met here where I work. Of course this is a protected military installation and there were protesters but not many of them. They can't come in the gates anyway.
So why go to Chicago when you can go to a US military installation?
Just a quick check indicates there are a crapload of bases... and I'm aware of the buildup at Rock Island with FEMA. So I'm not sure why they simply don't put them there?
Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois
Charles Melvin Price Support Center, Granite City, Illinois (Closed circa 2000)
Naval Station Great Lakes, North Chicago, Illinois
Naval Air Station Glenview, Glenview, Illinois
Carmi Air Force Station, Carmi, Illinois (Now site of Casey Municipal Airport)
Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Illinois (Closed)
Hanna City Air Force Station, Hanna City, Illinois (Now site of a state prison and FAA Long Range Radar)
Scott Air Force Base, Belleville, Illinois
Scott is a training base, if I recall. Rock Island is a pretty large place and some of us know someone working there....he could tell us more if he chooses.
I'm not familiar with any of the other sites any more.... been too many years since I was in the area for anything.
May 2nd, 2012, 14:05
Malsua
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
I've never understood why these groups meet in places that are known to draw protesters.
Then again, that one woman is responsible for lots of this stuff, she organized the 1999 WTO riots in Seattle and is a key organizer for OWS. I can't recall her name at the moment, but she's a real POS.
They should just go somewhere and meet. What's the point of all the other advertising ahead of time?
May 2nd, 2012, 14:24
American Patriot
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
Well.... they don't "meet in places that draw protesters"... I was in Germany many years ago when Bush (Sr) spoke at an event. We were in Krefeld and Bottrop Germany.
There were a crap load of anarchists, protesters and general hippy types there protesting against "Star Wars" and "Nukes" and "Rich" back then. The motorcade was actually attacked by these maggots - they threw paint in baggies, balloons full of oil or something nasty, rocks, bricks, and long pieces of wood breaking out windows on the bus most of us wound up on as we were being evacuated. The German police did NOTHING at all until after we'd gotten clear then they apparently beat some of the protesters senseless haha.
I forget the exact reason Bush visited there or what his speech was about or much else except the riots that ensued. The protesters weren't even outside the event at first then they rushed the place and over ran it, knocking down chain link fences and barriers.
May 2nd, 2012, 23:25
vector7
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
Gavin Aronsen of Mother Jones got this shot of it from inside Awaken cafe (“”Oooooooh,” everyone at Awaken Cafe exclaimed as this Alameda County tank-looking thing rolled by,” he tweeted):
Naturally, you are asking yourself, how is it that a cash-strapped city like Oakland can afford a monster like this? Well, luckily, Dave Gilson of Mother Jones has your answers, flagging and tweeting a request from the Alameda Sheriff’s Department to bypass the competitive bid process and purchase this beauty — from Xe, better known as Blackwater — for the bargain basement price of only $323,000. Lest you think this is an unfair price, our dear Sheriff Ahern helpfully describes the pressing need which requires its purchase:
The vehicle is an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), a tactical type of response/rescue vehicle and is intended to counter modern threats in the urban environment. Acquiring this type of vehicle will enhance the security of Alameda County and the surrounding region by providing the appropriate means of response to critical venues and the evolving threat of terrorism.
Moreover, the vehicle’s state-of-the-art multi-layered armor technology providing protection from Improvised Explosive Devices (lED’s) and explosive projectiles increases the safety level of officers often called upon to provide tactical assistance in highly dangerous and volatile situations to the various law enforcement agencies in Alameda County.
When you put it that way, well, of course they should skip over the competitive bid process and just hand the money straight to Blackwater. Only then the question arises: where will the county get that kind of money?
As the honorable Sheriff continues:
“Funds totaling $323,000 have been earmarked from the FY 2008 State Homeland Security Grant Program for this purchase.”
To recap: while Oakland Unified School District is closing five elementary schools to save money — here’s a harrowing account of the meeting where they voted to do it — the Alameda County Sheriff’s department can get over 300 grand from Homeland Security for that stupid thing, just in case Occupy Oakland marchers had some improvised explosive devices up their sleeves, I guess. I heard someone threw a bottle. Without state-of-the-art multi-layered armor technology to protect them, scores of police officers might have been destroyed.
Your tax dollars at work, etc. Or as the Program Manager of the Grants Management Division of the California Emergency Management Agency put it:
“Thank you for your work in protecting California. We look forward to your continued collaboration towards our homeland security strategy and appreciate your cooperation and support.”
May 3rd, 2012, 00:20
vector7
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
CHICAGO (CBS) — Plans to keep residents and dignitaries safe during the NATO Summit include a no-fly zone, with a shoot-to-kill warning for those who break the ban.
This is no joke. It will be enforced for May 19 to May 21.
The flight advisory was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The advisory bans non-commercial aircraft from flying within 10 nautical miles of downtown Chicago at altitudes below 18,000 feet.
A nautical mile is about one minute of arc of latitude along any meridian. It amounts to 1,852 meters, or about 1.15078 standard miles.
In addition, the restrictions include an outer ring from 10 to 30 miles around downtown Chicago. Only planes arriving or departing at local airports will be allowed within that outer ring. Flight training, seaplanes, and other types of flights will be banned from the outer ring.
Any plane violating the flight restrictions will be intercepted.
“The United States Government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat,” the advisory says. “Be advised that noncompliance with the published (notice to airmen) may result in the use of force.”
The advisory says lesser violations by airmen might result in civil penalties and the suspension of airmen certificates, as well as criminal charges.
As CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports, what those restrictions mean is, for three days, there will be a virtual no-fly zone extending from Lake County, Indiana, to Lake County, Illinois. The zone will also stretch well into DuPage County and over Lake Michigan.
“It’s an easy three days off of work,” said Chopper 2 HD pilot Jeff Fair. He’s familiar with all the airports that will be affected by the temporary flight restrictions.
He said the restrictions will essentially shut down general aviation – which refers to all flights that are not military, scheduled airline, or scheduled cargo flights.
“There will be no (general aviation) activity within those three days,” Fair said.
The only aircraft allowed to fly within the restricted area include regularly-scheduled commercial passenger and cargo carriers, police, and military planes supporting the Secret Service.
This no-fly zone is not new. The 30-mile no-fly zone is enforced for all presidential visits. Similar flight restrictions were also in place immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks because of terrorism-related concerns.
The airports affected by the flight restrictions range from big ones like O’Hare and Midway international airports, to other multi-runway fields – like Lewis Airport in Lockport – as well as small airstrips like the one in Bolingbrook.
At least a dozen airfields fall within the restricted area.
Lewis Airport manager Chris Lawson said he is expecting a slow weekend during the NATO summit.
“The flight schools will be shut down,” he said. “The business aircraft will be able to come and go, as long as they are in direct contact (with the FAA and control towers). … The second they see them leave the ground, they’re in radar contact with them. And if he deviates from that, that’s when you hear the horror stories of deadly force and things like that. You don’t want to make any mistakes during this event.”
Roger Butler, who lives near McCormick Place, was not surprised to hear of the temporary flight restrictions directly above his home.
“I think it’s important, I mean, security; we don’t want anything to happen to the city,” Butler said.
Whatever action is necessary must be taken, he said.
“You’ve got to do whatever it takes to make sure that people are safe,” Butler said.
The Post Office says mail delivery may be disrupted for some zip codes during the summit.
With all the precautions, neighbors still have questions about security and restrictions. Michael Jackson, the district manager of CD One Price
Cleaners, works at Michigan Avenue and Cermak Road, one block outside the area that will be closed off during the summit.
He welcomes the extra security, but hopes his customers won’t feel pressured to stay away.
“I believe that Chicago has shown a reputation of handling things correctly, and I don’t think that’s going to be any different in this particular case either,” Jackson said, adding that he was “absolutely” confident in leaders and officials in keeping everyone safe.
Downtown residents are hoping to get some answers to important questions about the summit at a meeting Wednesday evening, as more and more business and restaurant owners downtown expressing concerns.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Ritz-Carlton, 160 E. Pearson St. It is geared toward residents of the Streeterville neighborhood.
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
No kidding Ryan. :eek:
I don't know where these modified M9XX or M8XX series 5 ton mobile jails are from but if they saw them rolling in and getting filled up it could have a similar effect. :)
Chicago Independent Examiner April 30, 2012. Chicago. What exactly does the federal government expect to happen to Chicago in three weeks when the NATO Summit is held in our beloved city?
Anticipated chaos and protests have already forced President Obama to move the G8 Summit, scheduled for the same time, to Camp David instead of the Windy City where it was originally planned. Now, reports are emerging of plans to incarcerate large groups of demonstrators and ship them off to Joliet prison. While at the same time, Milwaukee officials have reportedly been warned to prepare for the possibility of massive numbers of refugees from Chicago.
It’s a disturbing vision to imagine millions of people walking the 90 mile trek from Chicago to Milwaukee. Perhaps it’s a wise precaution. If FEMA would have alerted the major cities around New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, many innocent people wouldn’t have needlessly lost their lives. In fact, Katrina showed Americans that large refugee migrations in modern day America are no fairy tale. They’re very real and very possible. For those who don’t remember, large portions of the population of New Orleans ended up being evacuated as far away as Houston, Texas and Jackson, Mississippi.
Chicago refugees to Milwaukee
Apparently learning from past mistakes, the federal government has reportedly issued alerts to Milwaukee officials and emergency response personnel. According to CBS2 Chicago, reporters from the network have obtained an email from the Red Cross to its Milwaukee office. The email warns Wisconsin Red Cross responders that the upcoming May 20 Chicago NATO Summit, “may create unrest or another national security incident. The American Red Cross in southeastern Wisconsin has been asked to place a number of shelters on standby in the event of evacuation of Chicago.”
When the network reached out to Milwaukee Red Cross officials, they confirmed the details of the leaked email. According to the Red Cross spokesperson, “Our direction has come from the City of Chicago and the Secret Service.”
Mass arrestees to Joliet
Joliet prison - It was one of the most well-known prisons in America. Made famous by movies such as the Blues Brothers, with Joliet Jake Blues played by the legendary Chicago actor John Belushi, Joliet prison closed its doors for good in 2002. The large but aging prison facility had run its course, or has it?
In a report by the Chicago Sun Times, Cook County Sherriff Tom Dart is looking at Joliet prison as the answer for large-scale mass arrests due to protests of the May NATO Summit meeting. Chicago, it appears, has no plan or facility for handling large numbers of arrestees. The task has fallen to the Sherriff to devise a strategy, and fast. With the international summit scheduled for May 20-21, time is running out for city and county officials.
“They shut down Joliet prison. It’s sitting there empty,“ Cook County Sherriff Dart remarked to reporters, “Could I turn the key and open it up?
Does the water still work? Does the electricity work?” The Sherriff of the second most populous county in America continued, “It’s empty and it will be empty. There are no issues with that. If it’s functional, it wouldn’t take a lot of manpower to monitor. Transportation would be a straight shot down I-55. Across the street is Stateville [another Illinois prison]. We’re going there anyway.”
Underestimating protests
According to the Sun Times account, the Cook County Sherriff let his prediction slip regarding the expected turnout of protesters and demonstrators to the Chicago NATO Summit. It turns out Sherriff Dart isn’t anticipating anything other than a typical, small, unorganized protest involving a few thousand demonstrators. Comparing the upcoming Chicago Summit to other more-peaceful gatherings of the globe’s elite, Dart called the larger, more chaotic and protest-marred conferences an ‘anomaly’.
Toronto in 2010, Germany in 2007 – those two gatherings resulted in over 1,000 arrests. Dart calls those examples the exception, not the rule. He pointed to London in 2009 which saw only 122 arrests, Pittsburgh in 2009 with 190 arrests and Japan in 2008 with 44 arrests.
The current plan for handling arrestees during the NATO conference is to first split up the men and women. Women prisoners will be taken to an undisclosed south side facility. Men will first be brought to Area 3 police headquarters at Belmont & Western. The facility has its own courtroom and space for 300 prisoners. If that location fills up, authorities plan to utilize Area 5 police headquarters at Grand & Central. Capacity there is 200.
That is the extent of police planning in regards to mass arrests. According to the Cook County Sherriff’s comments, if more than 500 protesters are detained, officials may have to fall back on their original plan – erecting outdoor tents within the confines of the currently over-crowded Cook County jail, located on the near south side of Chicago. It is that proposal that has caused Sherriff Dart to contemplate other options, including the re-opening of the legendary Joliet Prison.
While Chicago and Cook County officials expect only ‘thousands’ of demonstrators for the May 20 NATO meeting, protest organizers are calling for 50,000 marchers and hoping for 100,000. In an attempt to reassure nervous city officials, Sherriff Dart conceded, “The only thing everybody agrees is this is unpredictable. We’re trying to keep that in mind.”
May 3rd, 2012, 12:43
American Patriot
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
So shooting down small planes that accidentally fly through their made-up no-fly zone is somehow keeping people safe?
What about falling debris and body parts?
That shit can kill you if it lands on you.....
May 3rd, 2012, 15:43
Ryan Ruck
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
Quote:
Originally Posted by vector7
No kidding Ryan. :eek:
I don't know where these modified M9XX or M8XX series 5 ton mobile jails are from but if they saw them rolling in and getting filled up it could have a similar effect. :)
Now that is interesting. Never seen one of those before.
May 3rd, 2012, 15:46
Ryan Ruck
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Donaldson
So shooting down small planes that accidentally fly through their made-up no-fly zone is somehow keeping people safe?
What about falling debris and body parts?
That shit can kill you if it lands on you.....
If we're lucky the debris will fall on the protestors rioters.
May 3rd, 2012, 23:14
Ryan Ruck
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
Spot on Peterle! It's based off the Tatra chassis.
Supposedly one can purchase one in good running order for under $20k but, I won't have that type of spare money for at least 10 years. :(
May 4th, 2012, 00:19
Malsua
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
For what it's worth, shooting down a civilian plane over US airspace is an absolutely guaranteed way to not win the next election.
No one will give the order to shoot. Anyone that does may as well shoot themselves on the spot because their life is over.
May 4th, 2012, 00:32
American Patriot
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
It will be an interesting exercise in futility though, won't it, Mal?
I tend to agree they won't actually order such a thing, on the other hand, I happen to know that they WILL shoot down a plane if it appears to be "a terrorist attack" and you can bet your ass they will label it "terrorism" if a plane flies over the restricted area. Check your PM box shortly.
May 4th, 2012, 00:51
Malsua
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Donaldson
It will be an interesting exercise in futility though, won't it, Mal?
I tend to agree they won't actually order such a thing, on the other hand, I happen to know that they WILL shoot down a plane if it appears to be "a terrorist attack" and you can bet your ass they will label it "terrorism" if a plane flies over the restricted area. Check your PM box shortly.
I have no doubt they'll label something terror related if they do shoot it down, but they won't be able to fake it if some dummy wanders into the wrong airspace.
May 4th, 2012, 00:57
American Patriot
Re: America will face Riots, Marches, and Revolution
very true... but cover-ups are us in this country any more. Even if they are too fucking stupid t actually cover anything up (eg USSS Prostitutes and other shit like that lately)