(NewsNation) — Over 50,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Milwaukee for the start of the 2024 Republican National Convention this week, two days after an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
While Republicans plan to gather to officially name Trump the GOP presidential nominee starting Monday, the focus of the RNC seems to have shifted after the shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Large events like the RNC usually carry heavy security with local, state and federal officers on site, but after Trump was injured in Saturday’s shooting, security is now top of mind for the convention.
Security is already noticeable in downtown Milwaukee with barriers blocking off certain streets. A Secret Service officer told NewsNation that what additional resources they may have for the RNC is still in the planning stages, and he expects that security could possibly be enhanced for certain aspects of the convention.
Before the rally shooting, the RNC’s focus would have likely been on the Republican platform, the speaker’s list, what Trump might say and his highly anticipated announcement of his vice-presidential pick.
Now, the former president’s health after the shooting and the security situation at the convention are at the center of attention.
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People walk past the Fiserv Forum ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) -
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is moved from the stage at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
A campaign rally site for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is empty and littered with debris Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
U.S. Secret Service agents converge to cover Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) -
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 13: Attendees scatter after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at Butler Farm Show Inc. on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump slumped before being whisked away by Secret Service with injuries visible to the side of his head. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter and one audience member are dead and another was injured. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
From the RNC’s perspective, they say they are moving forward with the convention as planned. The RNC released a joint statement with the Trump campaign, saying the former president will continue to travel to Milwaukee and that there will be no change in terms of programming.
“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him,” the statement reads in part.
As for Trump, he said he will not allow “evil to win” and looks forward to the convention.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin,” Trump posted Sunday on Truth Social.
Before Saturday’s shooting, the U.S. Secret Service announced there is “nothing credible” regarding direct threats involving the downtown Milwaukee region where the four-day political convention will take place. Federal officials previously characterized the security situation as constantly “evolving.”
The Secret Service is expected to serve as the lead law enforcement agency for the RNC alongside efforts coordinated with the Milwaukee Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol.
In a recent threat assessment report, special political events like the RNC are “attractive targets for domestic violent extremists, foreign terrorists and lone offenders looking to disrupt democratic institutions or cause ‘societal chaos.’” According to reports, the city of Milwaukee received $75 million in federal grant money for security costs at the RNC.
Republicans will gather at Fiserv Forum from July 15-18 for the convention. NewsNation will present special coverage of the RNC.
