No fighting allowed: Police, Secret Service says protesters at GOP convention must use voices only

The Secret Service and Milwaukee police expect vocal protests around the Republican National Convention from July 15-18 and they will uphold First Amendment rights.

But there is a key rule — keep your hands to yourself.

“The expectation is, ’Express yourself,’ this is what our Constitution is based on, but we will not tolerate anything beyond that particular type of activity because this is our city and we’re proud of it,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey B. Norman said at a security briefing with the Secret Service on Friday to preview the convention, where former President Donald Trump will accept the GOP nomination.

Mr. Trump caused a stir by declaring Milwaukee a “horrible city” during closed-door remarks with House Republicans. He later said he was limiting his opinion to rates of crime and potential voter fraud in swing-state Wisconsin’s largest city.

Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle said the Wisconsin city has plenty of experience with big events, including annual festivals and the 2021 NBA championship parade for the Milwaukee Bucks.

“Previous experience and extensive preparation all contribute to a level of confidence ahead of this convention. We have been busy preparing for any possible scenario, including planned and pop-up demonstrations,” she said.

Milwaukee will establish an outer perimeter around Fiserv Forum, the convention’s main venue, that extends for multiple blocks. Vehicles must be screened before they enter that perimeter.

Within that zone, a tighter “pedestrian-restricted perimeter” will be restricted to convention attendees with credentials. It is solely for persons on foot, with no personal vehicles, bicycles or scooters allowed.

Pere Marquette Park, which had been a potential staging ground for protesters, is within the restricted perimeter, meaning demonstrators will likely be moved out of sight or far from convention attendees.

Residents of an apartment building within the perimeter will be allowed to access their homes and parking spaces. Businesses within the perimeter will be used exclusively by convention attendees and volunteers rather than the outside public.

If an emergency occurs, the Milwaukee wireless alert system will send a message to all mobile devices in the area. People do not need to sign up to receive the alerts.

Officials said Milwaukee residents should expect temporary street closures on July 11 on an “intermittent basis” before the official road closures take effect from July 14 to July 19. A map of closures can be found at city.milwaukee.gov/rnc.

Chief Norman said non-convention areas of the city will not be ignored during the GOP festivities.

“I want to be very clear, we have been working hard to ensure safety for all areas of the city,” Chief Norman said.

Nicholas DeSiato, chief of staff for Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, said the city will “continue to be open for business.”

“We are ready to serve,” he said, “and we are very excited for this opportunity.”