Miranda Davis | Bloomberg News (TNS)
Former President Donald Trump confirmed that he will be attending the Republican National Convention, hours after he was shot at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th president of the United States,” according to a statement from Trump campaign and RNC officials on Saturday.
The four-day event, opening Monday, is now expected to come with heightened security after the incident, which authorities are investigating as an assassination attempt. CBS News reported that law enforcement at all levels — federal, state and local — are ramping up protocols ahead of the convention. Plans include expanding the perimeter at the RNC venue and creating buffer zones around events.
“This is going to a facility where we’re going to able to have 50,000 delegates and alternates and guests and members of the media who are going to be here and who are going to be safe,” Michael Whatley, chairperson of the Republican National Committee, told Fox News Sunday. “That’s very critical for us.”
Milwaukee was already bracing for thousands of protesters, including a march on Monday comprising a broad coalition of left-wing activists demonstrating over reproductive rights, the war in Gaza, immigration and racism. The city has drafted in law enforcement support from across Wisconsin and Chicago and created perimeter zones.
The convention’s primary venue is Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Bucks’ arena in the city’s downtown. Other events will be hosted at the nearby Baird Center and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena. All three locations are within the same security perimeter between Interstate 43 and the Milwaukee River. The Secret Service has designated another security perimeter at Henry Maier Festival Park along Lake Michigan for a welcome party hosted by the RNC on Sunday.
Previously announced measures by the Secret Service indicated the convention would have two perimeters. An outer zone would allow some pedestrian access with vehicle-screening checkpoints. A more restrictive inner perimeter would be limited to credentialed personnel or ticket holders.
Adding to complications, some firearms may be allowed within the outer perimeter, according to officials, as Wisconsin is an open-carry state.
The RNC Milwaukee Host Committee, which offered condolences for the victims at the Trump rally, said late Saturday that the convention was set to kick off. It will mark Trump’s official nomination as the GOP presidential candidate, where he’s also expected to announce his running mate during the proceedings.
“Guests have already begun to arrive in Wisconsin, and we look forward to working with the Republican National Committee to welcome everyone to Milwaukee this week,” the committee said.
Trump’s top campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles sent a memo to RNC staffers outlining that those remaining in Washington and West Palm Beach should stay away from the office as they assess the locations. They wrote that safety measures would be increased, including enhancing the armed security presence.
The incident on Saturday evening, which resulted in the deaths of one attendee and the suspected shooter, may also influence preparations for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.
In a post on X, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he was closely monitoring the situation, as he thanked the Secret Service for their quick response.
“Violence is never the answer in our democracy,” Pritzker said.
—With assistance from Elizabeth Campbell and Stephanie Lai.
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