Ben Bergquam, a Real America’s Voice correspondent, sent a welcome message from the Fiserv Convention Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he is for the Republican National Committee.
It is a place of great concern due to the attempted murder of President Trump just two days ago. Security has grown intense there, with the city on high alert. By Monday morning, there was a focus on the attendance of President Trump, who posted on social media that he would be in attendance at the event earlier than expected because he wanted to challenge the fear people had after the shooting.
Local media was reporting about Trump’s change in attitude, reporting that he arrived in Milwaukee Sunday night and said he was changing the focus of his big convention speech. The assassination attempt against him provided a “chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together,” he said in a Washington Examiner interview.
”The speech…was going to be a humdinger,” Trump said. “Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now.”
Big on the agenda today for the convention today: the expected announcement of Trump’s pick for vice president.
“We’re going to be in a safe situation here in Milwaukee… This is probably one of the most secure areas on the face of the planet right now.” – Brian Schimming, Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman.
By early Monday morning, attendance was growing for the event.
After showing the front of the building and discussing the layers of security he experienced to get inside, Bergquam sent out a “call to action,” saying everyone who loves the country has to work hard for the 2024 election to defeat the people who do not love America.
What the Monday morning news is saying:
The Republican National Convention (RNC) kicks off in Milwaukee on Monday, just two days after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. Trump, who is set to accept the nomination for a second term formally, survived the attack which resulted in one death and two critical injuries. The shooter, who targeted the stage, was neutralized by the Secret Service and subsequently died.
Despite the attack, the convention’s security plans remain essentially unchanged. U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced that while security measures have been reviewed and strengthened, the flexible nature of National Special Security Events will allow adjustments as necessary. Local and federal officials expressed confidence in the security measures, emphasizing the presence of extensive law enforcement resources.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson noted the impact of the shooting on the convention’s atmosphere, suggesting a shift in attendees’ mood. He highlighted the $75 million federal security grant and urged respect for First Amendment rights during planned demonstrations outside the convention’s hard security zone.
“Republicans coming for this convention… now after having an attempt on the presumptive nominee of their party, I think that that does change some mood here.” – Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brian Schimming assured that the convention would proceed without major changes to its schedule. Security around the main venues is tight, with tall fences and road closures to create a secure perimeter.
“There’s no higher security that you can have for this type of event. There are a lot of different resources. I like to take a word for our military brothers and sisters — ‘By land, sea, and air’ — that we have resources.” – Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman reinforced law enforcement’s preparedness, citing comprehensive security resources and coordination with federal and state partners. The city’s plan includes increased services for the unhoused population affected by the security zones.
In the face of political violence, Milwaukee officials and RNC organizers are focused on maintaining security and ensuring the event proceeds as planned despite the heightened tensions and scrutiny following the assassination attempt on Trump.
Stay tuned to Frontline America for more updates as the week unfolds from the RNC.