Protesters in Milwaukee are gearing up to march through the city as the Republican National Convention kicks off, despite the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The attack, which took place during a rally in Pennsylvania, has not deterred organizers from moving forward with their plans for the demonstration.
Security measures for the convention have been in place for over a year, and Secret Service officials have stated that they do not anticipate any changes in response to the assassination attempt. Republican Party leaders have confirmed that Trump will still be accepting the nomination in person on Thursday as planned.
The Coalition to March on the R.N.C., one of the organizing groups, has assured that the event will be safe and family-friendly, emphasizing that they have not faced any safety issues at previous marches. They intend to hold a rally and march in downtown Milwaukee as delegates begin arriving for the convention’s initial meetings.
Despite their opposition to Trump and the Republican platform, protesters are motivated by a variety of issues, including concerns about U.S. support for Israel’s military actions, abortion restrictions, immigration policies, police accountability, and LGBTQ rights. Some activists have also indicated that they plan to protest at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.
Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, affirmed their commitment to moving forward with the protest, calling on law enforcement to respect their right to demonstrate. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey B. Norman stated that they are prepared for the expected thousands of demonstrators and assured residents and convention attendees that security plans are in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
In the face of heightened tensions following the assassination attempt, protesters remain determined to make their voices heard and advocate for their causes. The march in Milwaukee is part of a larger movement of activism and civic engagement that aims to bring attention to critical issues and hold political leaders accountable for their actions.