MILWUAKEE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – So far, it doesn’t seem like there will be any major changes to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Whether it’s the security plan or convention schedule, everything is staying status quo, according to law enforcement and event organizers.
Trump says he considered delaying his arrival by two days, but decided he could not do that and arrived like many others the day before the event officially kicks off.
Brian Schimming, the chair of Wisconsin’s Republican Party, says everyone’s thoughts are with the victims of Saturday’s rally, but the party has to continue with its plans.
“We have a consistent schedule,” said Schimming. “We have dozens and dozens of spectators who will be speaking not only to the folks in Milwaukee, but to people across the nation, across the world, about what Donald Trump is going to bring to this country.”
Schimming says he’s encouraged Wisconsin delegates and others the convention will be safe.
“This is probably one of the most secure areas on the face of the planet right now,” said Schimming. “We have thousands of law enforcement agencies from all over the state, all over the Midwest that are here. I think they’re doing a great job. I really do.”
Law enforcement agencies that have been working on security plans the past 18 months, including the Secret Service, FBI, and Milwaukee Police, say plans haven’t changed since the assassination attempt.
“This event has been designated as a national special security event, which is the highest level of security for an event that can be designated by the federal government, so this is a whole up government approach,” said Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the RNC coordinator for the Secret Service.
Senator Ron Johnson tells FOX 11 he’s also confident in the security plan.
“There’s a lot of visible security here, which is a good thing,” said Johnson. “If you want to prevent problems, you show a large law enforcement presence to deter it and it seems like they’ve got that here, so that’s a very good thing. Obviously, what happened yesterday kind of changes the tone around here. Hopefully it’s not going to impact a celebration of what we’re trying to accomplish, which is literally Make America Great Again and save this country.”
Senator Johnson is among those listed to speak at the convention over the next four days.
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