(NewsNation) — Over 50,000 people are expected in downtown Milwaukee for the launch of the 2024 Republican National Convention this week, two days after an obvious attempted murder to the former president Donald Trump.
While Republicans plan to meet starting Monday to officially nominate Trump as the GOP’s presidential nominee, the RNC’s focus appears to have shifted following the shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Large events like the RNC typically have bulky security on site, including officials from local, state and federal authorities, but after Trump was injured in Saturday’s shooting, security at the gathering is now a top priority.
Security measures are already in place in downtown Milwaukee, with certain streets blocked off by barriers. An intelligence official told NewsNation that what additional resources might be available for the RNC is still in the planning stages, and he expects security measures may be beefed up for certain aspects of the convention.
Before the Rally shootingThe RNC would likely have focused on the Republican program, the list of speakers, Trump’s possible statements and his eagerly awaited announcement of his Vice President Election.
Now the Health of the former president The focus is on the events following the shooting and the security situation at the congress.
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People walk past the Fiserv Forum ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) -
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump is carried off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
A campaign site for Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump is empty and littered with debris in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
U.S. Secret Service agents cover Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 13: Attendees disperse after shots rang out during a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show Inc. on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump slumped over before being taken away by the Secret Service, with injuries observable on the side of his head. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter and a bystander were dead and another was injured. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
From the RNC’s perspective, the convention will go ahead as planned. The RNC released a joint statement with the Trump campaign team saying the former president will continue to travel to Milwaukee and there will be no changes to the program.
“President Trump looks forward to working with all of you Milwaukee as we proceed with our congressional process for his nomination,” the statement said.
Trump himself said he would not allow “evil to win” and was looking forward to the party convention.
“At this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united and show our true character as Americans, remain strong and determined, and not allow evil to win. I truly love our country and love all of you and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin.” Trump posted Sunday on Truth Social.
Before the shooting on Saturday US intelligence announced There is “nothing credible” regarding direct threats in downtown Milwaukee, where the four-day party convention will take place. Federal officials had previously described the security situation as constantly “evolving.”
The Secret Service is expected to serve as the lead law enforcement agency for the RNC, coordinating efforts with the Milwaukee Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
In a recently published threat analysis report political events like the RNC are “attractive targets for domestic violent extremists, foreign terrorists, and lone actors seeking to disrupt democratic institutions or cause ‘social chaos.'” According to reportsThe city of Milwaukee received $75 million in federal grants for RNC security costs.
The Republicans will meet for their party convention at the Fiserv Forum from July 15 to 18. NewsNation presents special reports of the RNC.
