According to security experts the proposed perimeter around the Democratic National Convention is not large enough to curtail potential clashes with protestors.
True Pundit has spoken with a number of recognized security experts FROM Philadelphia. It is important to know the local area of the Philadelphia Sports complex well enough to understand how Philadelphia Police and the US Secret Service propose to stem the massive number of planned protestors.
Police sources believe between 30,000 and 50,000 protestors could descend on Philadelphia during the week of the convention. Experts say that by not extending the perimeter around Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Eagles, this could allow protestors to surround the Wells Fargo Center, the home of the convention. Experts said they also see a potential problem if protestors also congregate around PNC Park, home of the Phillies, which is not currently inside the planned security perimeter.
“You’re talking about a perfect storm for protestors,” one source said. “If a crowd of 30,000 gets agitated, and they surround you, this could get ugly.”
Philadelphia police sources said the collective strategy is allowing protestors to camp out in nearby FDR Park. Police believe the protestors will then spread out, as the park is one of the largest in the city. “This strategy always worked with the crowds that came to see the Grateful Dead, so we believe it will work again,” one source said.
However, Grateful Dead fans were relatively peaceful and stoned. Bernie Sanders supporters, while perhaps stoned, are not expected to be peaceful.