An armed man was arrested near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The man was carrying an AK-47 pistol and wearing a ski mask. Police found the gun and a full magazine in his tactical bag. It is still unclear what his intentions were.
The man, who is 21 years old, was arrested on the 1200 block of N. 11th Street. He did not have a concealed weapon license in Wisconsin or any other state. Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
Security concerns have been raised at the RNC, with another incident where a man was shot and killed by police just 2 miles from Fiserv Forum. The man was reportedly brandishing a knife. In addition, Rep. Derrick Van Orden claimed he was assaulted by a protester while waiting in line to enter the venue. CODEPINK, the activist group involved, denied the allegations of assault.
Former President Donald Trump has emphasized the need to address crime in Milwaukee, particularly in light of these recent incidents. The theme of the RNC on Tuesday was “Make America Safe Once Again.” Security measures have been heightened across downtown Milwaukee in preparation for the convention.
While the motives of the armed man arrested near the RNC remain unclear, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security and vigilance during such high-profile events. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all attendees and participants.