Despite an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, guns will still be permitted outside the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee when it begins on Monday evening.
Wisconsin state law allows guns in the “soft” security zone, which is the outside perimeter of the downtown Milwaukee convention area where 50,000 people are expected to gather for the four-day event.
There are some restrictions, however. Machine guns, other fully automatic firearms, and silencers are not allowed in the outer perimeter, according to Axios. Additionally, guns are prohibited inside the convention and within the event’s “inner perimeter.”
Some city officials attempted to ban guns in the outer zone, but they were unable to override Wisconsin’s open and concealed carry laws, which prevent cities or towns from creating their own gun regulations, reported Forbes.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers requested the U.S. Secret Service on Sunday to prohibit guns in the outside perimeter following the shooting on Saturday, but his request is likely to be unsuccessful, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Alexi Worley indicated that the agency does not have the authority to control local gun laws.
Over the weekend, Trump stated he did not want to delay the convention despite the assassination attempt. Officials have expressed that the city is prepared for the convention and are confident it will be safe and secure.
Brian Schimming, the Wisconsin Republican Party chairman, said on Sunday that “everything for the convention is going on as planned.” Schimming added that he is “not concerned about security,” despite the assassination attempt, the New York Times reported.
“We are all praying and thinking about the victims. And we will have a convention very, very focused, moving towards the future of this country with Donald Trump,” he said.