Despite the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, firearms will still be allowed outside the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, which begins Monday evening.
Wisconsin state law permits guns in the “soft” security zone, or outer perimeter, of the downtown Milwaukee convention area where around 50,000 people are expected to gather for the four-day event.
However, there are certain restrictions. Machine guns, other fully automatic firearms, and silencers are prohibited in the outer perimeter. Firearms are not permitted inside the convention or in the event’s “inner perimeter.”
Some city officials attempted to ban guns in the outer zone as well, but they were unable to override Wisconsin’s open and concealed carry laws, which prevent cities or towns from establishing 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. However, his request is likely to be unsuccessful since the Secret Service does not have authority over local gun laws.
Former President Trump, over the weekend, expressed his desire not to delay the convention despite the assassination attempt. City officials assured that Milwaukee is prepared to host the convention safely and securely.
Brian Schimming, the Wisconsin Republican Party chairman, stated on Sunday that “everything for the convention is going on as planned” and expressed confidence in the security measures, according to the New York Times.
“We are all praying and thinking about the victims. And we will have a convention very focused on moving towards the future of this country with Donald Trump,” he said.