Chicago police place officers at city's military facilities

Chicago police are stepping up efforts to protect military recruiting centers after the deadly attacks in Chattanooga that left four Marines dead.

At recruiting centers, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors may be decorated members of the military, but they are unarmed.

That's why Chicago Police are now working to provide protection at every center in Chicago.

“In a situation like this, where our Military is under attack at home, we have an obligation to protect them,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy.

McCarthy said there is no intelligence that indicates military facilities in Chicago are a target, and that the move is more precautionary.

“If it could happen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, if we could have terrorism type events in places like Garland, Texas, we have to be vigilant,” McCarthy said.

Outside the National Guard Armory in the Prairie District, there were no police officers posted late this afternoon. However, FOX 32 did see a marked car drive by on routine patrol, along with several bike cops. The plan is to have officers posted during normal business hours.

The Public Affairs Officer told FOX 32 that while the armory is more fortified than store front recruiting centers, the National Guard still welcomes the police protection.

“We do not have side arms or any type of weapons on us during duty day,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho with the Illinois National Guard.

FOX 32 asked Camacho if he and his fellow Guard members are worried for their safety after what happened in Chattanooga.

“There's always a possibility of threats out there, but with this additional law enforcement, it does provide an area of security and it does provide a feeling of protection,” Camacho said.

McCarthy says what happened in Chattanooga appears to be a lone-wolf attack, but he's not taking chances with military facilities in Chicago.

“It's not going to happen in Chicago under my watch,” McCarthy said.