Milwaukee, WI — In the aftermath of an unsettling incident at a Pennsylvania rally where former President Donald Trump was injured, the Coalition to March on the Republican National Convention reiterated its commitment to proceed with a planned march in Milwaukee. The march, scheduled for Monday morning, coincides with the opening day of the RNC.
The violent episode, which resulted in the death of one spectator and injuries to two others, has cast a grim shadow over the upcoming political convention. Authorities identified the assailant as 20-year-old Thomas Matthews Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was fatally shot at the site. Despite the turmoil, the coalition, representing over 120 progressive groups, is pressing forward with its demonstration against what it describes as the “racist and reactionary Republican agenda.”
During a press briefing, Omar Flores, a spokesperson for the coalition, emphasized the inclusive and peaceful nature of the planned event. “We’ve meticulously organized this march to be safe and family-friendly. Previous events have proceeded without incident, and we anticipate the same for our gathering at Red Arrow Park,” Flores said.
The coalition has secured a march route in close proximity to the Fiserv Forum, where the RNC is hosted, following discussions with Milwaukee city officials, local police, and the U.S. Secret Service. Despite not having an official permit, these agreements have been put in place to ensure public safety and minimize risk to participants.
Security arrangements for the RNC have been extensive, with the U.S. Secret Service not planning any alterations to their protocols following the shooting. Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the RNC coordinator for the Secret Service, stated, “The security perimeter and plans established over the past 18 months remain robust and we are prepared for the event.”
The security briefing also addressed concerns about firearm policies at the event. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman reminded that while Wisconsin law permits open carrying of firearms, attendees should act responsibly. Further emphasizing this point, Mayor Cavalier Johnson noted that local laws do not override state regulations concerning firearm possession at the event’s perimeter.
Responses to additional security measures, such as Governor Tony Evers’ request to the Secret Service to prohibit guns in the outer perimeter, have not been disclosed by the Secret Service. However, local law enforcement and the FBI confirmed there are no current, specific threats targeting the convention or its attendees.
As preparations for the RNC and the accompanying protests continue, officials remain vigilant. “Our community, including national and local security forces, is on high alert and fully ready to handle any situation that might unfold,” concluded Chief Norman at the press conference.
The recent violent incident, while concerning, has not deterred the resolve of the demonstrators nor significantly altered the security setup for the RNC, as both expect to proceed as planned. While the city of Milwaukee braces for the upcoming political events, organizers and law enforcement alike affirm their readiness to tackle any emergency adjustments, underscoring the volatile yet controlled atmosphere surrounding this high-stakes political gathering.