California Gov Newsom sends 61 more cops to Milwaukee to help at RNC: ‘Public safety transcends party lines’
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sent 61 extra law enforcement officers to help keep order at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
“Public safety transcends party lines. California is proud to support our law enforcement colleagues in Wisconsin during this important political event,” Newsom said in a statement on Sunday. “Working together, we are helping to provide a safe and secure environment for all participants at the Republican National Convention.”
The officers from the heavily Democratic state were on the scene as former president Donald Trump made his first appearance at the convention on Monday night. His right ear was bandaged after the attempted assassination on Saturday, after a gunman took aim at him during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Two people, including the gunman, were killed, and another two were critically injured.
The request for the officers was initially planned in May of this year, and it’s being coordinated by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The security measures at the RNC have come under increased scrutiny following Saturday’s shooting.
Forty of the dispatched officers come from the California Highway Patrol, while other officers come from the police departments in Bakersfield, Fresno, and Long Beach.
The director of Cal OES, Nancy Ward, said in a statement on Sunday: “It is critical we support our law enforcement colleagues in Wisconsin and the safety of participants at this significant event.”
She added: “California’s peace officers are well-trained and experienced in handling large-scale events, and we are confident in their ability to enhance the security operations in Milwaukee.”
The California officers are working