Republican convention will allow guns within outer perimeter in new security plan

The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month will allow people to carry guns within the outer security perimeter, but the weapons will be banned within the actual convention site itself, according to a security plan released Friday.

Under Wisconsin law, residents are allowed to carry guns openly with a license in certain areas. Convention attendees will not be allowed to carry guns within the convention site, or in an established inner perimeter around the convention, but people can carry guns a few blocks away, according to The Hill.

“It’s about behaviors,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said during a press briefing on Friday, per the Associated Press. “So, understand that there is going to be that level of surveillance and monitoring that that’s the particular right that you like to express. Just don’t do anything that could be considered a threat or harm to the public.”

The new guidelines, which were released by locals and federal law enforcement officials, also include two areas for protesters to gather, which are not protected by the inner perimeter. The locations for demonstrators have been met with backlash from protesters, due to concerns that the attendees would probably not be able to see or hear the protests.

The United States Secret Service also released maps on Friday that show a protest zone and a parade route for protesters that includes a stage for speakers that are protesting the convention. The stage will be within view of the convention center, in a compromise for the protesters. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson's chief of staff Nick DeSiato, a Democrat, said he hopes the compromise is enough, because it was the closest the city could arrange when still considering exit points and emergency vehicle access.

The convention will take place from July 15 through July 18,  at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where former President Donald Trump is expected to be formally nominated as the Republican candidate for president.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.