Milwaukee’s security plans for the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) have been finalized after months of negotiations. The Secret Service has rejected the city’s proposal to place a protest zone less than a third of a mile from Fiserv Forum. Instead, Pere Marquette Park will now be within the secure perimeter, accessible only to credentialed attendees.
The designated protest zones have been relocated to Haymarket Park and Zeidler Union Square, both further from the convention site. Convention spokesman Kush Desai emphasized the importance of safety and constitutional rights, stating, “We look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with the U.S. Secret Service as well as local law enforcement to ensure the best possible convention experience for everyone.”
However, the new protest arrangements have not satisfied all parties. Omar Flores, co-chair of the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024, criticized the locations for being out of sight and sound of the convention venue. Flores announced plans for a “family-friendly protest” march past the Baird Center and Fiserv Forum, arguing that the large turnout would make it impractical to confine the demonstration to sidewalks.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also voiced concerns. Tim Muth, staff attorney for the ACLU of Wisconsin, argued that including Pere Marquette Park within the security zone is unjustified and restricts effective opportunities for protest. He stressed the importance of allowing demonstrators to express their views near the convention site.
In a significant decision, the Secret Service will permit concealed firearms within the outer security perimeter, adding another layer of complexity to the security arrangements. While Milwaukee authorities may allow some flexibility for the protest march, the Secret Service retains control over venue security and is unlikely to compromise on measures that ensure the safety of delegates and attendees.
As the convention approaches, tensions between protest groups and security officials highlight the challenges of balancing security with the right to peaceful assembly. The situation underscores the importance of effective coordination and communication to maintain order while respecting constitutional rights.
