According to local media reports, an FBI investigation is underway after maggots were discovered at a breakfast for DNC delegates at a Fairmont hotel in Chicago on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at a Fairmont hotel where Democrats are staying during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
DNC2024: FBI investigates insect infestation at Democratic breakfast in Chicago
Here’s what we know about the incident:
How did maggots get into the food at the DNC delegate breakfast at the Fairmont Hotel?
“Several unknown female perpetrators are believed to have entered a building … and began placing unknown objects on tables with food,” said a statement from the conference’s information center quoted by WGN. “The perpetrators are then believed to have left the area. One victim was treated and released on site. In addition to the CPD, the Chicago FBI is assisting with the investigation. No further information is available at this time.”
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Which state delegates were at the DNC delegate breakfast with maggots at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago?
Democratic delegates from Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri and South Dakota stayed at the Fairmont hotel where the food was found to be maggot-infested, WGN reported.
Indiana delegate Karen Tallian, a retired senator, said: “We all came down to breakfast, and there were these two women hiding in the bathroom. And they ran out and threw maggots into the breakfast buffet.”
Sam Barloga, spokesman for the Indiana Democratic Party, expressed dismay: “All Americans have the right to peaceful protest, but ugly attacks like this have no place in our democracy. We thank the security team for their quick response.”
Reggie Harris, a Cincinnati City Councilman and Ohio delegate who stayed at the hotel, said, “The attack on the food served to people traveling to the DNC is uncalled for and disgusting. Despite this situation, the staff and management at the Fairmount were fantastic, and the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Ohio Democratic Party did an incredible job with logistics and accommodations.”
When Indiana State Representative Carolyn Jackson arrived for breakfast at 7:45 a.m., she said, “everything was new on the table.”
And Chris Redfern, former chairman of the Democratic Party in Ohio, took the news calmly on the social media platform X: “My eggs were perfect. The orange juice was warm. The conversation was lively.”
What causes maggots?
Adult flies lay between 75 and 150 eggs at a time in places like garbage, carrion, feces or rotting food, according to ecoguardpestmanagement.com. These eggs hatch into maggots within 7 to 24 hours. If flies are present, maggots will likely follow, as adult flies lay eggs daily.
What kills maggots instantly?
According to home.howstuffworks.com, pouring boiling water over the maggots should kill them.
Is former Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaking at the DNC tonight?
DNC speakers tonight include former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The evening ends when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz introduces himself to the nation and accepts the Democratic nomination for vice president.
Watch Day 3 of the 2024 DNC live tonight
Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
