Security at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is tight this week — and even tighter after the gruesome assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday. The security perimeter extends several blocks beyond the Fiserv Forum — and for good reason: It’s only Tuesday, and there have already been several security incidents at or near the perimeter.
As Jeff Charles reported, a man was shot dead by police near the restricted area on Tuesday afternoon.
REPORT: Police shoot man near Republican National Convention venue
A police officer reportedly shot and killed a man near the Republican National Convention (RNC) venue in downtown Milwaukee on Tuesday afternoon. The incident came after a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
The incident occurred near the RNC security perimeter.
Columbus, Ohio, police officers shot and killed a man Tuesday afternoon near 14th and Vliet streets in Milwaukee, about a mile from the Fiserv Forum, the main venue for the RNC.
Witnesses told WISN 12 News that two homeless men were fighting in King Park and one of them pulled out a knife. The witnesses said the men were startled when so many police officers responded. Witnesses said the man with the knife was shot by several officers. This has not yet been confirmed by police.
Two WISN 12 news sources say five officers have been fired.
There is a vast police presence on site, including the Secret Service. Beloit Police facilitate secure the park.
Later Tuesday afternoon, we learned that a man was arrested on Monday as he approached the restricted area – armed with an AK-47 and wearing a ski mask.
BREAKING NEWS: According to a federal law enforcement source, HSI and Capitol Police, who were monitoring the RNC security perimeter yesterday, stopped a suspicious man wearing a ski mask a few blocks from the Fiserv Forum. I’m told he was carrying an AK47 pistol, a full magazine and a Scream mask in a vast backpack that he… pic.twitter.com/cMwxdvv38d
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 16, 2024
BREAKING NEWS: According to a federal law enforcement source, HSI and Capitol Police monitoring the RNC security perimeter yesterday stopped a suspicious man wearing a ski mask a few blocks from the Fiserv Forum. I’m told he was carrying an AK47 pistol, a full magazine, and a Scream mask in a vast backpack.
Milwaukee Police arrested him. Unknown what his plans or intentions were. Milwaukee Police confirmed they arrested a 21-year-old man who was carrying a concealed weapon and did not have a legal CCW permit. They sent me the following statement. The Secret Service referred me to Milwaukee Police and I have reached out to DHS for comment. More details as they become available.
In addition, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) reported on X that he was attacked on Tuesday while waiting in line to enter the event.
Today, while waiting in line to enter an event at the RNC, I was attacked by someone who appeared to be a member of the pro-Hamas group CODEPINK. A nearby police officer witnessed this attack and, to my knowledge, was arrested.
This appears to be a political incident…
— Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) July 16, 2024
Today, while waiting in line to enter an event at the RNC, I was attacked by someone who appeared to be a member of the pro-Hamas group CODEPINK. A nearby police officer witnessed this attack and, to my knowledge, was arrested.
This appears to be an act of political violence, and I will never tolerate it. Regardless of the severity of the violence, political violence is political violence.
Republicans have been intimidated and targeted for years, including the assassination attempt on President Trump. We will no longer stand by and tolerate lawlessness.
There is no place for political violence in this country and I have repeatedly called for those who choose this path to be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.
Nothing will change until these people are held accountable.
Fortunately, the woman who attacked Van Orden also appears to have been arrested.
These are breaking stories. RedState will provide more information as it becomes available.
