Despite the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, firearms will still be permitted in the outer perimeter of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday evening.
According to Wisconsin state law, guns are allowed in the “soft” security zone, the outer perimeter of downtown Milwaukee where approximately 50,000 attendees are expected over the four-day event. However, there are restrictions: machine guns, fully automatic firearms, and silencers are prohibited in this area. Firearms are also banned inside the convention and within the event’s “inner perimeter.”
Efforts by some city officials to ban guns in the outer zone were thwarted as Wisconsin’s open and concealed carry laws prevent cities or towns from enacting their own firearm regulations.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers requested the U.S. Secret Service on Sunday to prohibit guns in the outer perimeter following the shooting incident on Saturday, but his plea is unlikely to succeed. Alexi Worley, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, confirmed that the agency has no authority over local gun laws.
Former President Trump expressed over the weekend that he did not wish to postpone the convention despite the assassination attempt. City officials have assured that safety measures are in place and the event will proceed securely.
Brian Schimming, chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, stated on Sunday that preparations for the convention are continuing as planned and he is confident in the security arrangements. He noted that they are focused on the future of the country with Donald Trump and are keeping the victims in their thoughts.