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
- Coalition to March on RNC, City Reach Last Minute Deal - Graham Kilmer - Jul 12th, 2024
- Coalition Reaches Handshake Agreement with the City for March Route - Coalition to March on the RNC 2024 - Jul 12th, 2024
- Friday Photos: RNC Build Out Takes Over Westown - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 12th, 2024
- Officers From 103 Outside Police Departments Will Guard RNC - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 12th, 2024
- Wisconsin GOP Chair Excited for RNC, Not Scared of Protests - Robert D'Andrea - Jul 12th, 2024
- Milwaukee State Office Building to Be Closed to the Public July 14 – 18 - Wisconsin Department of Administration - Jul 12th, 2024
- MKE County: RNC Will Cause Some County Services To Be Moved to Wauwatosa - Graham Kilmer - Jul 12th, 2024
- Mitchell Airport Director asks USPS to deliver mail during RNC - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport - Jul 12th, 2024
- City Hall: Attempt To Expand Disorderly Conduct Fine, Ban Bump Stocks Before RNC Fails - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 11th, 2024
- Milwaukee-Area Bars Can Stay Open Until 4 a.m. During RNC - Sophie Bolich - Jul 11th, 2024
Read more about 2024 RNC here
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Locked and loaded: Welcome to the RNC
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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.