The Republican National Convention is set to start in Wisconsin this week and will last between Monday and Thursday.
In response to an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump over the weekend, event organizers have asserted that security is at its “highest level” as even more people will likely be watching the event unfold than usual.
Original Plan
On Sunday, the Secret Service and Milwaukee police had said that even in the wake of the assassination attempt on Trump, they did not have any intention to change already laid security plans.
“As chief executive of the police department here, it’s important we are also understanding the concern in our city. This is for those attending the RNC, but we are taking care of our city—period,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said at a press conference.
Change in Plans
However, this intention to keep security the same seems to have changed. On Monday, the Secret Service released a statement regarding the assassination attempt, expressing condolences for the victims and saying they would be implementing security changes.
“In addition to the additional security enhancements we provided former President Trump’s detail in June, we have also implemented changes to his security detail since Saturday to ensure his continued protection for the convention and the remainder of the campaign,” said Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle in a statement released Monday.
Reviewed and Strengthened
In the statement, the Secret Service specifically addressed security in the City of Milwaukee and discussed their cooperation with personnel on the ground.
“I am confident in the security plan our Secret Service RNC coordinator and our partners have put in place, which we have reviewed and strengthened in the wake of Saturday’s shooting,” said Cheatle.
Highest Level Security
Cheatle affirmed the Secret Service’s commitment to providing security at the “highest” level during the RNC.
“As the conventions progress, and in accordance with the direction of the President, the Secret Service will continuously adapt our operations as necessary in order to ensure the highest level of safety and security for convention attendees, volunteers, and the City of Milwaukee,” Cheatle said.
What is Security Like?
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, guns will be banned in certain areas of the Republican National Convention, known as the “hard zones.”
However, it seems like guns will still be allowed in “soft zones” of the convention in accordance with state law that prevents the banning of firearms.
Hard Zone Rules
According to reports of comments from a U.S. Secret Service spokesperson, the hard zone at the RNC will include buildings in the perimeter of the convention as well as the immediate area outside them.
Only law enforcement officials who are actively working will be allowed to bring firearms into the hard zone area of the convention.
Soft Zone Rules
Currently, the soft zone of the RNC will allow guns in areas outside credential-only zones, including in areas where demonstrations will be carried out.
Some are worried about the potential for violence resulting from allowing guns. The governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers has already called for guns to be banned in the soft zones as well.
Governor’s Thoughts
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on a source with knowledge of the governor who says he believes additional steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of attendees.
“[It is] exceedingly important that additional steps be taken to keep convention participants and attendees, law enforcement and the local community safe,” the source said.
Biden Wants Measures Reviewed
In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, President Joe Biden was adamant that security measures be reviewed to protect former President Trump during the convention.
“I’ve directed the head of the Secret Service to review all security measures – all security measures – for the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to start tomorrow,” Biden said.
Disavowing Violence
Biden during the press conference delivered stern messaging that the violence attempted on Trump was unacceptable and un-American.
“As I said last night, there’s no place in America for this kind of violence or any violence for that matter,” Biden said. “An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation.”
Trump Defiant
For his part, President Donald Trump has been resistant to delay plans or take restrictive precautions after the attempt on his life, still wanting to attend the full convention.
“Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and The Republican National Convention, by two days,” Trump wrote. “But have just decided that I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else.”
