2024 Election: Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart Ready for Violence Regardless of Winner

CHICAGO (WLS) — The 2024 presidential election is unlike any other in American history, and officials are bracing for the possibility of more violence no matter who wins.

Images of burning ballot drop boxes in the Seattle fire have ricocheted across the county, and emotions are already at an all-time high.

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“We know that the environment is now very dangerous and unstable. We know this. How that will play out, we don’t know,” Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said.

Dart prepares his officers for any possibility of violence.

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On the political side, Dart sent a bipartisan letter to other sheriffs in the state, warning that “a large number of our citizens will be deeply disappointed by the results of this election, requiring us to remain vigilant and speak out against political violence.”

The Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol following the 2020 election is seen as an example of the grievances of many of former President Donald Trump’s supporters, who claim the election was stolen from him. But political scientist Robert Pape said research shows the potential for violence is equally strong among Democrats concerned about Trump’s election.

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“You see a large number of supporters of political violence both on the right and on the left. And that is why we are in a period where we should be concerned about political violence,” he said.

Pape said recent events, including the assassination attempts on Trump, are further evidence that the threat of violence has become real. And he said that’s why politicians must tone down their rhetoric and law enforcement officials must be prepared to confront any violence that arises, even though they are not currently aware of any specific threats.

“This is very scary from a law enforcement perspective. You really have to be on your toes because of that,” Dart said.

Dart and others said the threat of violence will not go away on Election Day. In fact, they said the threats could increase no matter which side wins.