Locked and loaded: Welcome to the RNC
Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman May 31, 2024
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.
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.
More about the 2024 RNC
- RNC Will Build on Milwaukee’s Growing Visibility, Tourism Leader Says - Margaret Faust - Jun 25th, 2024
- Trace Adkins Will Headline RNC Welcome Party - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 25th, 2024
- Coalition Condemns City’s Proposed Protest Routes - Coalition to March on the RNC 2024 - Jun 21st, 2024
- See Detailed RNC Street Closures, Demonstration Zones - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 21st, 2024
- Third Ward Cheers ‘Beerpartisanship’ During RNC - Sophie Bolich - Jun 20th, 2024
- RNC Poised To Use Loophole To Force Protest Zone Relocation - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 14th, 2024
- Trump Calls Milwaukee “Horrible City” - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 13th, 2024
- Milwaukee County Unveils New Website to Provide Operational Updates for Residents During RNC - County Executive David Crowley - Jun 12th, 2024
- Downtown Business Owners Urge City to Relocate RNC Protest Zone - Sophie Bolich - Jun 10th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Turnover High For Republican Convention Delegates - Steven Walters - Jun 10th, 2024
Read more about 2024 RNC here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Bob Bauman
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Jun 10th, 2024 by Ald. Bob BaumanAlderman Robert J. Bauman June 10, 2024
Locked and loaded: Welcome to the RNC
May 31st, 2024 by Ald. Bob BaumanStatement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman May 31, 2024
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I propose an emergency session of the state legislature to consider a much more sensible approach to items allowed within the Security Footprint of the RNC, which is prohibiting firearms and allowing tennis balls and water bottles.
In fact, I suggest welcoming everyone entering the Security Footprint with a couple of tennis balls and a bottle of water! Add in a tee shirt from Groooober Law-ffices and Milwaukee certainly stays out of the headlines to rival the 1968 Chicago DNC.