In a shocking incident early Wednesday morning, a Texas Democratic delegation member was robbed at gunpoint in downtown Chicago during the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

This violent act against a visiting delegate is part of a disturbing trend of crimes in the city amid the convention's slate of activities, as the Daily Mail reports.

The robbery occurred at 2 a.m. local time, when the delegate, walking alone, was approached by two individuals emerging from a dark blue Land Rover Discovery. Wearing ski masks and brandishing handguns, the assailants threatened the delegate's life while forcibly taking their belongings, including cell phones, wallets, and room keys.

Crime Wave During Political Gathering

After targeting the delegate, the robbers crossed the street to commit a similar crime against another victim. This pattern of bold, violent behavior underlines the broader security challenges faced by the city during the DNC.

Chicago police have identified the suspects as two black males, dressed in black and estimated to be between 5’7″ and 5’9″ tall. They are believed to be connected to a string of robberies throughout Chicago.

City's Struggle with Rising Crime Rates

Amid the DNC, the city of Chicago was already on high alert due to a surge in shootings and robberies.

The U.S. Secret Service had even issued a warning to all attendees to remove their convention badges outside the venue to avoid becoming targets of crime.

Chicago's crime statistics reveal a troubling rise, with the city recording a decade-high 617 murders in 2023, making it the year with the highest number of murders among major U.S. cities.

Violent Incidents Shadow Convention

During the convention days, the city witnessed a significant number of shootings: 26 over the weekend preceding the DNC, eight shootings with four fatalities on Monday, and additional shootings on Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in more deaths.

The continuous crime spree, including the robbery of the delegate, casts a long shadow over the city's efforts to showcase its hospitality and security during such a high-profile event.

Police Response to Convention Security

Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling commented on the city's response to the uptick in violence. "Our officers are out there, they're out there, they're highly visible," he noted. "And we have officers not only along the corridors downtown, in and around the venues of the Democratic National Convention, but also in our neighborhoods to continue to protect our people who are living in areas that are the most vulnerable."

"Our officers are protecting the entire city," Snelling emphasized, highlighting the extensive deployment of police forces throughout Chicago.

Political Reactions to the Crime Surge

The incident did not go unnoticed on the national stage. Former President Donald Trump seized on the crime in Chicago to criticize the Democratic Party's handling of urban safety, likening the city's situation to Afghanistan.

He targeted vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, claiming her leadership would bring "crime, chaos, destruction, and death."

These comments reflect the heightened political tension and the polarized reactions to the DNC, which are influenced by the current security concerns and the broader debate over crime and policing in America.

Community and Political Implications

The robbery at the DNC has not only raised concerns about safety but also about the political implications of crime on voter perceptions.

As the city battles with a high crime rate, the national focus on these incidents could influence the broader political discourse surrounding safety and security at major events.

The incident underscores the challenges that cities like Chicago face in managing crime while hosting significant political events, which are supposed to be periods of heightened security and international attention.