CHICAGO — The FBI is investigating whether maggots were intentionally slipped into a breakfast prepared for delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a law enforcement source tells WGN Investigates.
It’s unclear if the contamination was discovered before any delegates consumed the food.
Delegates were buzzing about the insect attack as Chicago police officers and Illinois state troopers gathered in the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel near meeting rooms.
“They protected us, of course, and turned it around in minutes,” said Indiana delegate Tracy Boyd who is at the convention representing the Indianapolis region. She said her group was notified that breakfast service would be briefly delayed due to the incident. “I really do want to give a shout-out to the hotel staff and leadership,” Boyd said.
An FBI evidence response team van was parked outside the hotel Wednesday morning.
“We can confirm that a group of individuals caused a disruption at a DNC-related breakfast event at our hotel this morning,” Fairmont Chicago hotel spokesperson Haley Robles told WGN Investigates this morning. “Our team acted immediately to clean and sanitize the area, ensuring that the event could continue without further incident.”
Multiple law enforcement sources say it appears the maggots were brought into the hotel by activists seeking to send a message. “All Americans have the right to peaceful protest, but ugly attacks like this have no place in our democracy,” said Indiana Democratic Party spokesperson Sam Barloga. “We thank the security team for responding swiftly.”
City officials released the following statement Wednesday on the incident:
Multiple unknown female offenders are alleged to have entered a building (200 block of North Columbus Drive) and began placing unknown objects onto tables containing food. The offenders are believed to have then left the area. One victim was treated and released on-scene. Along with CPD, FBI-Chicago is assisting in the investigation. No further information is available at this time.
DNC 2024 Joint Information Center
The Fairmont hotel is hosting Democratic delegates from Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri and South Dakota. A delegate from South Dakota said her morning meeting was not impacted. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke at the hotel Wednesday morning.
After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Day 2 Recap:
The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.
WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city.