On Sunday, the Coalition to March on the Republican National Convention (RNC) confirmed its commitment to a planned protest march set for Monday morning, the opening day of the convention. “For the past two years all across this country, we pulled together a broad grouping of community organizations, unions, students, immigrant rights, LGBTQ, anti-war groups, and many others,” coalition spokesperson Omar Flores stated during a press conference. “We have not had safety issues at any of our several marches or events, and we look forward to our family-friendly march tomorrow, Monday, July 15 at 10 a.m., here in Red Arrow Park.”
Earlier in the week, the coalition reached an agreement with the city of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), and the U.S. Secret Service regarding the route for their march. This agreement ensures that the protest will take place within sight and sound of the Fiserv Forum, the RNC venue, despite the city not formally approving a permit for the march. Coalition organizers believe this arrangement significantly reduces the risk to participants.
The press conference on Sunday followed the shooting of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthews Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was killed at the scene. The Secret Service reported that shots were fired from an elevated position near the stage where Trump was speaking. The incident resulted in one rally-goer dead, two others injured, and Trump sustaining a minor graze wound to his right ear.
Despite the incident, the U.S. Secret Service has no plans to alter the security perimeter for the RNC. Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the RNC coordinator for the Secret Service, stated at a Sunday afternoon press conference, “We’re not anticipating any changes,” expressing confidence in the existing security plans developed over the past 18 months. She did not comment on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ call for a gun ban in the RNC’s outer security perimeter, noting she had not discussed the matter with Evers.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman, and FBI officials also addressed the press conference, highlighting the extensive security measures in place due to the RNC’s designation as a “national security event.” Chief Norman emphasized the legal right to carry firearms in Wisconsin, an open carry state, but urged responsible exercise of this right, warning that MPD would not tolerate any illegal behavior related to firearms.
The FBI spokesperson confirmed there is “no known, articulated threat to the RNC or any specific individual attending.”
At the protesters’ press conference, when questioned about the coalition’s stance on the Trump shooting, Flores repeatedly emphasized, “The shooting has nothing to do with us.” The coalition does not expect the incident to affect their protest plans but is prepared to adapt if necessary. “Honestly, all of the planning from the city has been extremely last minute, so we’re pretty used to last minute changes, and we’ll be ready for anything,” Flores added.
As the RNC approaches, both law enforcement and protest organizers are poised to navigate the event’s security challenges, with a shared focus on ensuring safety and lawful conduct.