Security Plan for Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Allows Gun Carrying and Protest Zones, But Protesters Push Back

Security Plan for Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Allows Guns, Protest Zones

Milwaukee, WI – As the Republican National Convention approaches next month in Milwaukee, law enforcement authorities have released a security plan that allows people to carry guns within blocks of the convention arena. Protesters will also be given two outdoor stages, one within sight of the convention arena, under the plan.

However, demonstrators have pushed back, arguing that the protest zones are too far from the Fiserv Forum to be seen or heard. The plan includes two perimeters that extend for blocks around the arena, with vehicles needing to pass through checkpoints to travel between the boundaries. Pedestrians will be allowed to move freely without being screened in that area, but only convention goers will be allowed within the inner perimeter.

While no weapons will be allowed within the inner perimeter, people will be able to carry guns openly or concealed elsewhere as allowed under state law. Chief Jeffrey Norman of the Milwaukee Police emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, stating, “Just don’t do anything that could be considered a threat or harm to the public.”

The security plan also addresses the concerns of more than 100 organizations that have applied to demonstrate at the convention. The Coalition to March on the RNC, which includes local and national organizations, has planned a protest parade on the first day of the convention. The coalition has been trying to obtain a permit for the parade since April 2023, but city officials have not yet granted it.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the coalition, alleging a violation of free speech rights due to delays in releasing a parade route. The ACLU is seeking a temporary injunction to force the city to designate a route within sight and hearing of the arena.

Despite the security plan establishing a parade route and stages for protest speakers, the ACLU and the coalition remain unsatisfied. The ACLU attorney stated that the large inner perimeter makes it even more important for the city to allow free expression and assembly.

In response, a coalition co-chair accused city leaders of turning Milwaukee into a Republican playground and stated that demonstrators want to be within sight and sound of the convention arena’s front doors. The lawsuit and protests are ongoing as the city prepares for the convention in July.