Update: We have been informed that the social media posts mentioned in this article are based on reposted images from 2020. This appears to be an attempt to create chaos in the media. We apologize for any confusion and have updated the post accordingly.
(SQAUK) CHICAGO — As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaches, Chicago has noticed a concerning trend online that has raised alarm among residents and law enforcement. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) claim that pallets of bricks have mysteriously appeared on street corners, sparking speculation that the city could experience a new wave of organized chaos similar to other violent protests of previous years.
If true, the presence of these bricks is not an isolated incident but a strategy with a well-known history. In the summer of 2020, similar deliveries were reported in various cities across the United States, including Minneapolis, New York, and Portland. These cities experienced protests against police brutality that turned into riots. Authorities and citizens connected these pallets of bricks to groups such as Antifa, alleging that the groups used them to arm protesters and stoke violence under the guise of legitimate demonstrations.
Skids of bricks already delivered near the DNC, right on schedule pic.twitter.com/eSM3aWqJ35
— Fred From Brooklyn (@FredBrooklynOG) August 18, 2024
In Chicago, social media posts have rekindled concerns about ‘Hell Week’—a term used to describe the period surrounding the DNC due to the expected large-scale protests and civil unrest. The gathering of thousands of protesters, activists, and political groups, some with a history of radical action, creates the potential for confrontations. Based on past events, these pallets of bricks could signal the possibility of violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, leading to widespread property damage and chaos.
City officials and law enforcement agencies have reportedly increased surveillance. They monitor social media channels for signs of organized efforts of planned attacks. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the alleged deliveries, the strategic placement of these pallets (based on images posted on X) raises the specter of an orchestrated campaign to turn peaceful protests into violent outbursts.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has urged calm and assured the public that the city is taking the necessary precautions to ensure safety during the DNC. However, many Chicagoans are haunted by memories of past summers when cities burned and looting became rampant. The possibility of another ‘summer of rage’ looms large, especially with the added volatility of the current political climate.
As Chicago prepares for ‘Hell Week,’ these posts are a stark reminder of the fine line between peaceful protest and violent unrest. The city’s response in the days ahead will be crucial in deciding whether Chicago will emerge from this challenge unharmed or be plunged into another chaotic summer.
With the DNC just around the corner, the city’s residents and law enforcement are on high alert. They hope for the best but prepare for the worst. The presence of these bricks could be an ominous sign that the next chapter in the ongoing struggle between radical groups and the establishment is about to unfold on the streets of Chicago. Will this be the flashpoint that reignites a nationwide wave of violence, or will the city maintain control and keep the peace? Only time will tell as the countdown to ‘Hell Week’ continues.