Locked and loaded: Welcome to the RNC

The chickens are coming home to roost when it comes to Wisconsin’s gun laws.

How is that?

We are prohibiting citizens from possessing tennis balls and water bottles while allowing them to possess fully loaded AR-15 assault rifles, among other firearms, in the “Security Footprint” established for the Republican National Convention when it is held in downtown Milwaukee in about six weeks. The Security footprint is a 15 square block zone established by city ordinance in conjunction with the U. S. Secret Service encompassing all the facilities that will be used for the convention—an event that has been designated a “National Special Security Event” pursuant to federal law.

Allowing persons to possess firearms in the Security Footprint of a National Special Security Event is lunacy and utterly ridiculous.

But under Wisconsin statutes (championed by Republican state legislators), municipalities cannot regulate firearm possession. So this means that while we host a major political event covered by global media, we will have armed individuals inside the RNC Security Footprint.

What’s more, the Security Footprint will serve as the location for First Amendment activity such as parades, a speaker’s platform and other activity which will almost certainly involve groups and individuals expressing sentiments in support of and in opposition to GOP polices and candidates. This is a recipe for disaster if everyone can be armed.

Let that sink in.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.