Mitch McConnell urges Secret Service to push back security perimeter at the RNC amid protests

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is urging the United States Secret Service to move back the security perimeter at the Republican National Convention this summer, because of recent protests occurring nationwide.

Dozens of pro-Hamas protests have broken out across the country in recent months, in response to the Oct. 7 war in Israel. Thousands of protesters have been arrested at these events, including on college campuses where the demonstrators set up illegal encampments.

McConnell said that given the state of the country, a violent protest at the RNC in Milwaukee seems likely if the security perimeter around the convention center is not pushed back.

“I am deeply concerned about reports that the security perimeter around the Republican Convention site in Milwaukee may be creating a likely — and preventable — area of conflict between protesters and convention attendees and delegates,” McConnell wrote in a letter to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, per the Hill. “As you know, this year has been a very challenging one for protests in the United States. We must all take seriously that tensions are high and do our best to balance the right to express dissent while also keeping Convention attendees as safe as possible."

McConnell pointed to the protest zones at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which will occur miles away from the convention site. He also emphasized the need for maintaining clear access points for lawmakers attending the convention, who could be targeted by the protesters.

“In a potentially volatile situation like a major political convention, located downtown in a large city, it’s imperative that we balance the place of those First Amendment activities with the safety of convention attendees,” McConnell wrote. “Of singular importance to me is the fact that many United States Senators are attending the Convention. Their safety and security is paramount."

The Kentucky senator also urged the Secret Service and the Senate Sergeant at Arms to meet with senators this week to go over security plans, and address any concerns that the lawmakers have.

The convention will take place from July 15-18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.