GOP Requests Increased Security Buffer at Convention to Manage Protesters
In preparation for the July convention in Milwaukee, the GOP has requested the Secret Service to enforce a larger security buffer to control protester presence. This move aims to ensure a safer and more controlled environment during the event.
The Republican National Committee has requested the Secret Service to ensure that protesters are kept at a greater distance from the July convention in Milwaukee than originally intended.
In a letter dated Friday, RNC counsel Todd Steggerda expressed concerns about the current plan proposed by the city of Milwaukee. He stated that the plan poses a significant safety risk for attendees and places demonstrators in a one-block park, resulting in uncomfortably close proximity between peaceful attendees and protesters.
Steggerda's letter also asks for a meeting between Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and RNC leadership to address an "urgent safety issue."
This request comes at a time when there is increased attention on political protests, especially as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather at major universities across the US. In some instances, police have been called to intervene, leading to detentions and arrests.
Recent clashes on college and university campuses have shown that when peaceful attendees and demonstrators with different beliefs are forced to be close to each other, tensions rise. This can lead to verbal or even physical confrontations, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
According to a statement from Alexi Worley, spokesperson for the Secret Service, the agency has not received the letter mentioned. If they do receive it, they will respond through the proper channels.
"The operational security plan for national special security events, such as the 2024 Republican National Convention, is created and approved by an executive steering committee. This committee is composed of representatives from the Secret Service, along with other federal, state, and local agencies," according to Worley. The plan is developed based on comprehensive security assessments conducted in collaboration with our partners. The main goal is to ensure the highest level of safety and security for the convention.
In a letter from the RNC, it is noted that the Secret Service's security plan for the convention includes a perimeter that guides pedestrian traffic through the Park to access the Convention site. The proposal suggests expanding the perimeter further east to accommodate the large crowds expected to attend the event.
The RNC announced in 2022 that they would host this year's convention in Milwaukee. The city's Democratic mayor, Cavalier Johnson, dismissed security concerns at the time.
Johnson mentioned in 2022 that the Milwaukee police department is well-prepared for the convention. He also noted that Milwaukee was initially set to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention before it was moved to a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic.
CNN’s Samantha Waldenberg contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The Republican National Committee's request to the Secret Service to increase the distance between protesters and attendees at the upcoming convention highlights the growing concerns about political protests and the potential for
