The Republican National Committee has requested that the Secret Service keep protesters further away from the upcoming convention in Milwaukee to mitigate safety risks. In a letter dated Friday, RNC counsel Todd Steggerda expressed concerns that the current plan proposed by the city of Milwaukee could create potential safety issues for both attendees and demonstrators. The letter also requests a meeting between the Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and RNC leadership to address this urgent safety issue.
The request comes in the midst of heightened tensions surrounding political protests, especially as pro-Palestinian demonstrators continue to gather at major universities across the United States. Recent clashes on college campuses have highlighted the risks associated with forced proximity between peaceful attendees and demonstrators with differing ideologies, which could potentially lead to verbal or physical confrontations and require law enforcement intervention. The RNC is seeking to avoid escalating tensions by increasing the distance between protesters and attendees.
The Secret Service has not formally received the letter from the RNC and will respond through appropriate channels if and when it does. A spokesperson for the agency emphasized that the operational security plan for national special security events, including the upcoming Republican National Convention, is developed and approved by an executive steering committee composed of various law enforcement agencies at different levels of government. The plan prioritizes safety and security to ensure a smooth convention experience for all participants.
The RNC’s letter specifically highlights concerns about the security perimeter created by the Secret Service, which currently funnels large crowds through a park in close proximity to both peaceful attendees and demonstrators. The RNC proposes expanding the perimeter further east to provide more space and distance between the two groups. The decision to host the convention in Milwaukee was announced in 2022, with the city’s Democratic mayor, Cavalier Johnson, previously dismissing security concerns and expressing confidence in the city’s preparedness to host the event.
Milwaukee was originally selected to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention before it was shifted to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The RNC’s request to adjust the security perimeter demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing potential safety risks and ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for attendees and demonstrators alike. The ongoing dialogue between the RNC, Secret Service, and other law enforcement agencies will be crucial in finalizing the operational security plan for the convention and addressing any concerns that may arise prior to the event.
