Watch CBS News

An In Depth Look At Secret Service Security Plans For DNC

By: Kristen Johanson & Greg Argos

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The beginning of the Democratic National Convention security zone begins Saturday, after 10 months of planning for Philadelphia to take the national stage.

Federal security agencies will working with the Philadelphia Police Department to keep everyone, including top national political figures safe, but the Secret Service is at the helm.

James Henry is Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Field Office and says his team is ready to protect those VIPs heading into Philadelphia next week.

"I've been to the Wells Fargo Center, I can't tell you how many times, and I've walked the perimeter," said Henry. "I'm very, very confidence of the security plan that's taken place."

He says that plan has been re-assessed and tweaked after terror events, like the truck attack in Nice.

"We really don't leave anything to chance, and of course look at these events from around the world, and that's what we do constantly, and that's how we evolve," says Henry.

"We do account for many different things," he said. "Somebody trying to climb the fence at the Wells Fargo Center to a medical emergency inside, the intrusion of an aircraft. Many different scenarios. So we really don't leave anything to chance."

ALSO READ: DNC Volunteers, Staff, And Delegates Treated To Free Concert During Convention 

It will be business as usual for those living in and around the city, very different from the Papal visit.

"95 will be open for the most part, there may be some intermittent closures to accommodate motorcades coming and going," said Henry. "There are some vehicle restrictions on Interstate 95, but that applies mostly to commercial vehicles over five tons."

Federal agencies will be keeping a close eye on the protests across the street, at FDR Park and along Broad Street, but they will mostly be handled by the Philadelphia Police Department.

"That's going to be a fluid situation," Henry said.

Secret Service protection in and around the Philadelphia area will continue long after the DNC is over.

"I'd like to think we could have a breath, but everyone tells me Pennsylvania is going to be a very important state for the 2016 election, so I'm just making the assumption we're going to be very busy with both candidates."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.