The FBI and the 1968 Democratic National Convention Protests

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was a tumultuous event characterized by significant protests against the Vietnam War and selected political figures. Amid the chaos, discussions about the involvement of FBI agents in the protests have emerged. This article aims to clarify the roles of the FBI and Chicago Police Department during this pivotal moment in history.

Chicago PD and the Police Riot

The Chicago Police Department played a significant role in the events of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. During the protests, the Chicago PD was accused of engaging in what many have referred to as a 'police riot.' According to The Chicago Seven, a book written by Robert Jay Lifton and Arnold M. Mittelman, the actions of police were characterized by 'enough wild club swinging, enough cries of hatred, and enough gratuitous beating to make the conclusion inescapable that individual policemen and lots of them committed violent acts far in excess of the requisite force for crowd dispersal or arrest.'

These events severely strained the relationship between the police and the protesters, as well as the public's trust in law enforcement. The literature on the subject cites firsthand accounts, revealing the chaotic and violent atmosphere that permeated the streets of Chicago during the convention.

FBI Presence in the Protests

Questions have been raised about the involvement of the FBI in the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests. Skepticism surrounds the claim that 1 in 6 protesters at the convention was an FBI agent. However, modern research suggests that the FBI was not as heavily involved on the ground as this claim might imply.

According to historical records, the Chicago protests involved an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people. The FBI has 136 field offices, each with an average of ten agents. This means that even with a significant number of employees, the likelihood of the FBI fielding a large number of agents among the protesters is low. More employees include typists, analysts, janitors, and computer staff—the type of personnel that do not necessarily participate in active protests.

Myth-Busting and Misinformation

The recent resurgence of conspiracy theories has been fueled by figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG). MTG, a controversial politician, has cited misleading statements to support her claims, thereby stoking divisions in society. Her promotion of misinformation is detrimental to the nation's unity and healthy debate. MTG does not foster healthy discourse but instead encourages paranoia and resentment, tactics that are often employed by radical groups to maintain their influence. In the upcoming mid-term elections, it is hoped that her seat will not be retained, as this would be a step towards reducing the spread of harmful misinformation.

In conclusion, the role of the FBI during the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests is one that requires a balanced and researched approach. While the Chicago Police Department played a significant role in maintaining order or, in some cases, overstepping their bounds, the involvement of the FBI was less extensive and more nuanced than some claims suggest. It is crucial to separate fact from fiction and to strive for accuracy and truth in historical narratives.

Keywords: 1968 Democratic National Convention, FBI Agents, Chicago Protests