DETROIT (WXYZ) — Detroit is taking center stage, in the national as 20 candidates over two nights will vie for your vote to be the democratic nominee in the 2020 presidential election.
Many of the biggest names already descending on Detroit.
This weekend Bernie Sanders took a trip from Detroit to Windsor to talk about the price of insulin.
Pete Buttigieg was also in town yesterday fundraising at the Fillmore.
And today Kamala Harris stopped at several retail stores downtown and Jay Inslee visited the Marathon oil refinery.
At the Fox Theatre preparations are underway for the big debate.
Much of the prep and the security happened and is happening outside of the public’s view.
The Fox Theatre is the center piece of the next few days in Detroit, playing host to CNN’s Democratic Debates on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The area around the theatre is highly controlled with security at nearly every nearby parking lot and building. CNN’s broadcast stage is already up and in use, taking a large footprint across from the theatre in a Comerica Park parking lot.
Hockeytown cCfe has been transformed into the central hub for the nation’s media.
Law enforcement is working overtime.
“You’ll have all your federal, state, county, local agencies. DPD obviously will be in charge of the local stuff,” says Former DPD Asst. Chief Steve Dolunt. “You’re going to bring in all the units. Mounted - for a physical presence. K9 for obvious reasons to check for incendiary devices.”
Dolunt explains with 20 candidates, one who may eventually occupy the white house, the area is a high value target, and will be closely monitored behind closed doors, and tough to get near for the public.
“it’s going to be locked down. It’s going to be hard to get in there and people who think they are going to blow in at the last minute? They are wrong. They aren't going to let them in, and they shouldn’t,” Dolunt says. “This is a high, high priority thing.”
