Protest March, Demonstrations Planned Near Republican Convention Site
MILWAUKEE (NEWSnet/AP) — Activists said Saturday's assassination attempt on Donald Trump won’t affect their plans for public protests and a march this week near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
A range of organizations and activists is expected outside the downtown Fiserv Forum, with the largest announced demonstration slated for Monday.
The Coalition to March on the RNC, comprised largely of local groups, was protesting for access to abortion rights, for immigrant rights, and against the war in Gaza among other issues.
“The shooting has nothing to do with us,” said Omar Flores, a coalition spokesman, speaking about the Saturday evening shots fired at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. “We’re going to continue with the march as we planned.”
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle issued a statement early Monday morning saying she understands the assassination attempt has led to questions about changes to convention. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies have “reviewed and strengthened” the convention security plan and they will continuously adapt their operations as needed.
She added that the Secret Service also has made changes to Trump’s security detail. She didn’t offer any details on any of the changes.
Ahead of the convention, protest organizers and city officials worked out details such as which parks that demonstrations could gather at.
The progressive coalition protesting the RNC has touted their Monday demonstrations as “family friendly.” Organizers expect an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 attendees. Separately, the Philadelphia-based Poor People’s Army, which organizes for economic justice, plans an afternoon march.
Smaller organizations also plan to demonstrate inside parks closer to the convention site where Trump is set to officially accept the party’s presidential nomination later this week.
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