The head of the U.S. Secret Service has announced that security plans for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee are still being finalized. The event, scheduled for next month, is expected to draw around 30,000 visitors as former President Donald Trump is set to become the Republican party's official presidential nominee. Anticipating large-scale demonstrations, concerns have been raised regarding the proximity of protesters to the convention site at the downtown Fiserv Forum.
Law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with businesses, have been working on safety plans for over a year. A secure zone around the convention site is being established, with further details to be disclosed in the coming weeks. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle assured that preparations are in place to address potential demonstrations during the event.
RNC officials have expressed safety concerns and requested that protesters be kept farther away from the site than initially planned. The city of Milwaukee has approved rules for protests within the convention's security zone, including a specified marching route, but specific details on demonstration sites are yet to be made public.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson's office has indicated that the city is accommodating demonstration requests, with over 70 groups having signed up online. However, a coalition of organizations and the ACLU of Wisconsin have filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that the rules infringe on First Amendment rights by restricting where protesters can gather and express their views.
Similar concerns have been raised in Chicago, where the Democratic National Convention will take place in August. Law enforcement agencies in both cities are preparing for potential protests and are undergoing specialized training in de-escalation and First Amendment issues.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman stated that officers are ready for the RNC and will receive assistance from law enforcement agencies in other cities and the National Guard if necessary. He emphasized that the event is being treated like any other in the city, with preparations in place to ensure public safety.
