City of Chicago officials, including the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Police Department, provided written and verbal briefings this week on measures being taken to enhance safety and security through the extended holiday weekend.
Specific Measures
- The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has confirmed that they will be assigning extra uniformed and plain-clothes officers to the Central Business District through the extended Thanksgiving weekend.
- Public works assets, such as Streets & Sanitation salt trucks, will also be prepositioned in and around the Loop and in other retail corridors.
- Additional technology may also be deployed to monitor persons/vehicles traveling into and out of the area.
- Multiple cities have experienced organized theft rings targeting high-end retail stores in recent days.
- City departments have run frequent drills in 2021 utilizing such assets to deter opportunistic criminality or civil unrest.
- Special events will include the Christkindlmart in Daley Plaza and the Thanksgiving Day Parade along State Street.
- The verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial in Georgia may be imminent, and has factored into the City’s planning.
- A related demonstration is anticipated at Federal Plaza (230 S Dearborn) on the evening of any verdict announcement.
- An additional, visible security presence facing the public way is encouraged by CPD.
- Increased situational awareness for all Loop residents and employees is highly encouraged.
- Emergencies should result in a call to 911, situational communication may utilize the BOMA Slack channel or 311.
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Titan Security continues to monitor the status of the Georgia murder trial in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. New information will be posted as it is received and vetted.
Update 1: As of the evening of Monday, November 22, closing arguments have been completed by both the prosecution and the defense. Brief rebuttal arguments are expected on Tuesday, November 23, and the jury could begin formal deliberations that same afternoon.
A coalition of activist groups have announced a planned protest on the evening of any verdict announcement, commencing at 6:00pm in Federal Plaza (230 S Dearborn). We will continue to monitor for additional demonstration activity.
Update 2: As of 10:45am Central time on Tuesday, November 23, the jury has begun formal deliberations in Brunswick, Georgia. We will continue to monitor multiple sources for updates, while any specific timeframes rest largely in the hands of the 12 jurors. We continue to anticipate a protest in Federal Plaza at 6:00pm on the evening of any verdict announcement.
Update 3: As of the evening of Tuesday, November 23, the jury has concluded deliberations for the day. Per law enforcement sources, the jury will reconvene to deliberate for a half day on Wednesday, November 24. If no verdict(s) has been reached by midday, they will break for the Thanksgiving holiday, and return for a full day of deliberation on Friday, November 26.
Update 4: As of midday on Wednesday, November 24, the jury in Georgia returned guilty verdicts in 23 of the 27 charges facing the defendants, including multiple counts of felony murder. A sentencing date is pending. As a result, any scheduled demonstrations are more likely to be nonconfrontational in nature. Titan Security continues to monitor the situation both nationally and locally.
Anticipated Demonstration Activity
11/24 @ 6:00pm, 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Ahmaud Arbery Murder Trial”
Safety Tips In/Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Titan Security continues to closely monitor pending demonstration activities, and planned special events, in or near the Chicago Loop. Please see a current list of anticipated events below for your reference.
Anticipated Demonstrations/Events
- Evening of Rittenhouse Verdict Announcement, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park) and 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group(s) will gather for their cause “Rittenhouse Trial Verdict Demonstration/Send Kyle to Jail” *
- 11/19 @ 1100, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather for their event “Christkindlmarket” (daily through 12/24)
- 11/19 @ 1830, 100 N Michigan (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Tree Lighting Ceremony”
- 11/19 @ 1500, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Millennium Park Holiday Market” (daily through 11/21)
- 11/20 @ 1200, N Michigan/E Madison (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “Worldwide Freedom Rally” **
- 11/20 @ 1200, N Michigan/E Madison (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “No Fascists in Chicago (Counterprotest)” **
- 11/20 @ 1700, 1000 N Michigan to 400 N Michigan, Group will gather/march for their event “Magnificent Mile Lights Festival”
- 11/20 @ 1400, 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Stop White Supremacy! Response to Rittenhouse Verdict”
- 11/21 @ 1200 190 N State (ABC 7), Group will gather for their cause “Ethiopians in Chicago”
- 11/22 @ 1800, 69 W Washington (Cook County), Group will gather for their cause “Gun Violence: Families Impacted by Gun Violence Demand Kim Foxx to Resign”
- 11/25 @ 0800, 400 S State to 300 N State, Group will gather/march for their event “Thanksgiving Parade”
- 11/26 @ 1700, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”
Notes/Analysis
* = Two separate protests are expected for the evening of any verdict announcement in the Rittenhouse trial; online interest is light/modest thus far
** = Competing demonstrations between right-wing anti-vaccine group and left-wing counterprotesters; turnout for previous occurrences involving these groups has been low
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Titan Security is a proud participant in the leadership of the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee, dedicated to the safety of highrise commercial structures in the City of Chicago. Minutes from the most recent monthly meeting of the group are shared below.
- The virtual meeting was presented via Microsoft Teams, with approximately 65 attendees.
- The session was hosted by Ron Tabaczynski (BOMA) and Tom Henkey (Titan Security).
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was first on the agenda, with Protective Security Advisor James Ford offering guidance on critical infrastructure security and protection.
- Lieutenant Ralph Cruz from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) Detail Unit presented on an initiative by the law-enforcement agency to visit, tour, and train within commercial highrise structures. The Detail Unit brings special equipment and resources to major incident scenes, including active threats. Interested buildings are urged to contact Committee leadership for further information.
- Tom Henkey and Titan Security provided a recap of the recent Carlos Villarreal Memorial Annual Tabletop Exercise, held on November 2 and attended by more than 100 commercial real estate professionals. A range of takeaway materials on topics including workplace violence and de-escalation techniques were shared with event registrants.
- An update was provided on the status of the Kyle Rittenhouse murder trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As of Wednesday morning, closing arguments had been completed and the jury had just begun deliberations. Committee members were encouraged to prioritize the monitoring of the trial and verdict announcement.
- Public-sector partners provided reports/updates
- DHS: reminded participants that November was critical infrastructure month, and recapped their earlier presentation
- CPD, District 1: year-to-date criminal activity is up, including robberies and vehicle theft; upcoming special events include the Christkindl Market, the Millennium Park Tree Lighting, and the Thanksgiving Parade.
- CPD, District 18: mirrored the 1st District comments regarding crime trends; upcoming special events include the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (had login issues, relayed details via phone)
- Announcements included a reminder to monitor local media and notification systems for Rittenhouse verdict announcement; BOMA Slack channel dedicated to safety issues is another active outlet
- Next meeting of the Preparedness Committee will take place on Tuesday, December 21
The murder trial of Antioch teen Kyle Rittenhouse is nearing its conclusion in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Update 1: As of Thursday, November 11, the defense team had rested its case. Final arguments are anticipated on Monday, November 15, and the trial could go to the jury at that time. Titan Security will continue to closely monitor events in Wisconsin, and any related protest or demonstration activity in the Chicago area.
Update 2: As of Tuesday, November 16, the jury has officially started deliberations. There is no immediate indication indicating a verdict outcome, a hung jury, etc. The judge in the case has promised “at least” one hour of notice prior to any verdict announcement(s) being made. Two protests in the Chicago area have been announced for the evening of any verdict announcement – one in Millennium Park and one in Federal Plaza.
Update 3: As of the evening of Thursday, November 18, the jury in Kenosha has concluded its third day of deliberations without reaching a formal verdict. Jurors have been dismissed for the night and will resume deliberations on the morning of Friday, November 19.
Update 4: As of midday on Friday, November 19, the jury in the Kyle Rittenhouse has returned verdicts of not guilty on all five counts faced by the defendant. Again, Rittenhouse has been acquitted on all counts. We will continue to closely monitor any local impacts to Titan’s service area and Client sites.
Safety Tips In/Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Titan Security continues to partner with law enforcement and professional security organizations to monitor upcoming protest/demonstration activity and special events. An updated listing, with notes and analysis, is presented here.
Anticipated Demonstration/Event Activity
- 11/10 @ 10:00am, 71 S Wacker (Hyatt), Group will gather for their cause “Hold he Mega Rich Accountable! Goldman Sachs Direct Action”
- 11/11 @ 10:15am, 44 E Wacker (Vietnam Veteran Memorial), Group will gather for their cause “Veterans Day Ceremony”
- 11/12 @ 8:00am, 547 W Jackson (Metra HQ), Group will gather for their cause “Metra Union Rally”
- 11/12 @ 11:00am, 333 S State (Chicago Dept of Public Health), Group will gather for their cause “Save Our Children – Families Impacted by Gun Violence Protest at Dr. Arwady Office”
- 11/13 @ 10:00am, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “Justice for Keith LaMar Rally & 5K”
- 11/13 @ 12:00pm, 600 E Grand (Navy Pier), Group will gather for their cause “Save the Crystal Gardens”
- 11/14 @ 3:00pm, 806 N Michigan (Chicago Water Tower), Group will assemble for their campaign “PETA Dog BBQ Demonstration”
- 11/19 @ 11:00am, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather for their event “Christkindlmarket” (daily through 12/24; note that Washington Street will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
- 11/19 @ 6:30pm, 100 N Michigan (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Tree Lighting Ceremony”
- 11/19 @ 3:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Millennium Park Holiday Market” (daily through 11/21)
- 11/20 @ 5:00pm, 1000 N Michigan to 400 N Michigan, Group will gather/march for their event “Magnificent Mile Lights Festival”
- 11/25 @ 8:00am, 400 S State to 300 N State, Group will gather/march for their event “Thanksgiving Parade”
- 11/26 @ 5:00pm, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”
Notes/Analysis
- Chicago River bridges from Lake Michigan to 18th Street are lifted in succession Wed 11/10 starting at 9:30am; Expect localized traffic delays
- High-profile murder trials are currently ongoing in Wisconsin and Georgia; No current local impacts but anticipating a demonstration in Millennium Park on the evening of the Rittenhouse verdict announcement
- Expect street closures around Willis Tower on the morning of Saturday, 11/13 (drill), and Sunday, 11/21 (helicopter lift)
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Titan Security has been notified of a range of upcoming protests and demonstrations in or near the Chicago Loop. We continue to monitor the following activity.
Anticipated Demonstrations In or Near the Loop
- 11/03 @ 11:30am, 50 W Washington (Thompson Center), Group will gather for their cause “Worldwide Walkout for Freedom”
- 11/03 @ 1:00pm, 233 S Wacker (Willis Tower), Group will gather for their cause “Airline Employees 4 Health Freedom”
- 11/03 @ Unknown Time, 110 N Carpenter (McDonalds HQ), Group will gather for their cause “McDonald’s Protest”
- 11/05 @ 3:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather/march for their cause “Official Anonymous Million Man March 2021 Chicago”
- 11/09 @ 3:30pm, 120 W Kinzie (Armenian Consulate), Group will gather for their cause “Fight for Our Nation Rally”
- 11/12 @ 8:00am, 547 W Jackson (Metra HQ), Group will gather for their cause “Metra Union Rally”
- 11/12 @ 11:00am, 333 S State (Chicago Dept of Public Health), Group will gather for their cause “Save Our Children – Families Impacted by Gun Violence Protest at Dr. Arwady Office”
- 11/13 @ 10:00am, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “Justice for Keith LaMar Rally & 5K”
- 11/13 @ 12:00pm, 600 E Grand (Navy Pier), Group will gather for their cause “Save the Crystal Gardens”
Safety Tips In or Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
The annual Hot Chocolate Run returns to Grant Park on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Please see the attached details for the race course, and for associated street closures in and around the Loop.

ALTERNATE ACCESS TO LOOP
The Loop will be accessible by the following streets from Upper Wacker Dr. and
North of the Chicago River:
INBOUND
Upper Wacker Dr.
Clark St.
State St.
Michigan Ave.
Upper Columbus Dr.
OUTBOUND
Upper Wacker Dr.
Dearborn St.
State St.
Michigan Ave.
Upper Columbus Dr.
Location, Location, Location: Don’t Be Surprised
Certain areas make it easier for carjackers to engage with you. Drivers should be aware of the following frequent carjacking locations:
- Anywhere a driver slows down or stops
- Residential driveways (getting in and out of the vehicle)
- Parking lots and garages
- Gas stations
- ATMs
- Intersections with stop lights
Scenarios: Be Aware
Bump and Run
- You are rear ended. A passenger from the vehicle that bumps you jumps into your driver seat when you assess the damage and exchange driver information. Note their description and call 911.
Stranded Motorist
- Do Not Stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and call 911.
Safety Tips: Think Ahead
Always be aware of your surroundings. Make it a habit to enter your car, lock your doors immediately and drive away. Look around for suspicious persons sitting in vehicles or loitering in the area before entering your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit, visible areas
- Keep your windows up and doors locked
- Equip your vehicle with anti-theft/GPS
- Give yourself room to maneuver around stopped traffic. Don’t get ‘boxed’ in.
- Keep your cell phone in your pocket
- Trust your instincts
Create a Smart 911 profile and include your vehicle information.
If You Are The Victim Of A Carjacking
- Give up your car and leave the scene
- Remember the suspect(s)’ description and their vehicle’s description (if they have one)
- The vehicle can be replaced. You are irreplaceable
- Avoid verbal/physical confrontations
- If there is a child in the vehicle, let the carjacker know “my child is in the car”
- Call 911 immediately to report the crime
Download Carjacking Prevention Tips Flyer
Chicago Police Vehicular Hijacking Task Force
Expanded in 2021, the Vehicular Hijacking Task Force consists of Chicago Police, Cook County Sheriffs, Illinois State Police, and federal law enforcement professionals who specialize in the investigation of robbery and violent crime cases, dedicated to the vehicle hijacking incidents in Chicago.
You can contact the Vehicle Hijacking Task Force by email at [email protected] – or – you can submit videos, photos and detailed descriptions of the events, people involved and other information relevant to investigations at CPDtip.com.
You can choose to remain anonymous or to provide your contact information for future contact if needed. Click here to get started.
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
In partnership with our law enforcement and public safety partners, please find an updated list of anticipated demonstration activity in or near the Loop.
- 10/29 @ 2:00pm, 310 S State (Pritzker Park) to 230 S LaSalle (Federal Reserve Bank), Group will assemble/march for their cause “Fossil Free Federal Reserve Protest”
- 10/29 @ 6:00pm, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”
- 10/30 @ 1:00pm, 401 N Michigan, Group will gather for their cause “Sudanese Americans Against Military Coup”
- 11/01 @ 1:00pm, 567 W Lake (CTA HQ), Group will gather for their cause “CTA Contract Issues Rally”
- 11/02 @ 1:00pm, 233 S Wacker (Willis Tower), Group will gather for their cause “Airline Employees 4 Health Freedom”
- 11/05 @ 3:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather/march for their cause “Official Anonymous Million Man March 2021 Chicago”
- 11/12 @ 8:00am, 547 W Jackson (Metra HQ), Group will gather for their cause “Metra Union Rally”
- 11/12 @ 11:00am, 333 S State (Chicago Department of Public Health), Group will gather for their cause “Save Our Children – Families Impacted by Gun Violence Protest at Dr. Arwady Office”
- 11/13 @ 12:00pm, 600 E Grand (Navy Pier), Group will gather for their cause “Save the Crystal Gardens”
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
