September 19, 2024

CHICAGO — A revolting surprise greeted Democratic convention-goers Wednesday when maggots were found during a hotel breakfast service — and the FBI is now investigating the apparent activist stunt. 

At around 6:45 a.m. hotel guests discovered the nauseating protein-packed topping  — requiring at least one person to be assessed by first responders.

“We can confirm that a group of individuals caused a disruption at a DNC-related breakfast event at our hotel this morning,” Fairmont Chicago hotel spokesperson Haley Robles told WGN-TV.

A video posted to the Palestinian Youth Movement Instagram account Wednesday, July 24, 2024, shows maggots and crickets released throughout the Watergate Hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is staying. Instagram/Palestinian Youth Movement
The FBI is investigating as thousands gather in Chicago for the DNC. Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

“Our team acted immediately to clean and sanitize the area, ensuring that the event could continue without further incident.”

An FBI van was spotted by the local outlet outside the hotel, which is hosting state delegates from Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri and South Dakota, the local channel reported.

Although it was not immediately clear who was responsible, maggots were released last month at the Watergate Hotel in Washington in protest of the visiting delegation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Chicago incident is similar to an incident at the Watergate Hotel in July, when activists released maggots at the hotel where Netanyahu was staying. WGNTV

Maggots consume dead flesh after flies lay eggs — and may have been deployed to call attention to the thousands of reported civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip as Israel responds to Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack that killed about 1,200 people.

Protesters opposed to the Israeli invasion of Gaza have been protesting outside the Democratic convention.

A Chicago city spokesperson said: “Multiple unknown female offenders are alleged to have entered [the hotel] 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.”

The FBI referred The Post to that statement.

Treasury Secretary Pete Buttigieg held an event Wednesday morning at the same hotel. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether he was impacted by the incident.