In a tense lead-up to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Donald Trump still plans to attend the event after surviving an apparent assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Despite the turmoil, the convention is set to proceed as scheduled from July 15-18 at the Fiserv Forum and other venues.
Crowd members and law enforcement remain on high alert following the incident in Butler, Penn., where a Trump rally turned deadly. Nevertheless, no major scheduling changes have been announced for the convention. Security measures are in place, with guns not allowed within the ‘hard’ security zone around the event.
Local officials faced challenges in enforcing stricter firearm regulations due to Wisconsin state law limitations, leading to concerns about safety within the security footprint surrounding the convention. Additionally, tension arose from Trump’s private meeting with Republican House members, where he controversially described Milwaukee as a horrible city, sparking debates among attendees.
In the midst of preparations, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit regarding protest locations during the convention, underscoring First Amendment rights concerns. Venue owners in downtown Milwaukee expressed disappointment over limited bookings for private events related to the convention, dampening economic expectations.
Despite the setbacks, over 4,000 law enforcement officers from various agencies are expected to assist local authorities during the convention, ensuring heightened security measures. The convention will proceed with speeches and side events, albeit with a potentially somber mood overshadowing the otherwise celebratory atmosphere originally envisioned.
