The FBI and Chicago police are investigating an incident in which a breakfast prepared for DNC delegates at the Fairmont Chicago hotel was allegedly contaminated with maggots. The event took place on Wednesday morning, according to a law enforcement source who spoke with WGN.
Authorities reported that a group entered the Fairmont Chicago around 6:45 a.m. and placed maggots on the breakfast tables. It remains unclear whether any DNC delegates consumed the contaminated food. However, at least one individual was treated at the scene, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The contaminated food was swiftly removed, and the area was sanitized, stated Fairmont Chicago spokeswoman Haley Robles.
“We can confirm that a group of individuals caused a disruption at a DNC-related breakfast event at our hotel this morning. Our team acted immediately to clean and sanitize the area, ensuring that the event could continue without further incident,” Robles said. “We maintain the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness throughout our property and have strict protocols in place to handle any disruptions.”
DNC delegates were shocked by the incident, as Illinois state troopers and Chicago police officers quickly gathered in the Fairmont Hotel lobby near the conference rooms. Indiana delegate Tracy Boyd praised the prompt response, telling WGN, “They [police] protected us, of course, and turned it around in minutes.”
Boyd also expressed appreciation for the hotel staff and leadership, explaining that her group was informed of a breakfast delay due to the incident.
Police sources suggested that the maggots were likely brought into the hotel by a group attempting to make a statement. Shortly after, an FBI evidence response team arrived at the hotel, as reported by WGN.
“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,” a Chicago PD spokesperson said.
Sam Barloga, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Indiana, condemned the incident, stating, “All Americans have the right to peaceful protest, but ugly attacks like this have no place in our democracy.”
He added, “We thank the security team for responding quickly.”
The incident follows a series of large-scale protests by pro-Palestinian activists and militant leftist groups near the DNC, focusing on the Democratic Party’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
This event is reminiscent of a similar incident in July when the Palestinian Youth Movement released maggots and crickets at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States.