WATERTOWN, Wis. — Wisconsin’s concealed and open carry laws will allow people to carry guns in the area surrounding next month’s Republican National Convention.
“Please do not do anything that could be perceived as a threat to our community. That will not be tolerated,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said of the security plans at a press conference Friday.
“We have understanding and respect for people who carry concealed guns and people who carry openly. It’s a behavioral issue.”
The chief I applied John F. Kennedy, who has been sworn in as Austin’s top police officer, stressed that firearms would only be banned in a small area around the event and that disorderly conduct would not be tolerated.
Violence in Milwaukee peaked in 2022, and Norman is credited with helping reduce homicides by 40%.
Milwaukee Police Officer Two young men were shot dead The suspect, who killed his unborn child after a vehicle pursuit on a major highway in the city on Thursday, is wanted in connection with two carjacking cases.
At a joint city and Secret Service press conference, Nick Desiato, chief of staff to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and former police chief, said that more than 100 individuals and groups have signed up to demonstrate during the convention and so far the city has not turned down any applications. Two speaker platforms for protests will be set up within “sight and sound” of the Republican National Convention, in the area surrounding the security perimeter.
When asked about prohibited items, Desiato said the city is bound by the state constitution and cannot go against state laws regarding concealed or open carry.
“We are governed according to the constitution,” he said.
Pere Marquette Park, the base of protests, Conflict Areas Between protesters, the Republican National Committee and the Secret Service.
The Republican Party will hold its convention events inside the Wisconsin Historical Society building.
Audrey Gibson Cicchino, the Republican National Committee’s Secret Service coordinator, said the park was placed in a high-security area because of its proximity to the building.
“The Republican National Convention’s top priority has always been to protect the First Amendment rights and freedoms while ensuring the safety and security of our delegates, guests, officials, media members and the entire Milwaukee community,” Republican National Convention spokesman Kush Desai said. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement to ensure the best convention experience for everyone.”
Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency ahead of the convention, authorizing the implementation of certain safety measures, including calling up the Wisconsin National Guard.
When asked about using the National Guard to provide security for the Republican National Convention, Gibson Cicchino would simply say that the Secret Service “has an ally in the National Guard.”
