GOP Convention security will allow guns within outer perimeter, sets parade route for demonstrators

MILWAUKEE (AP) — People will be allowed to carry guns within blocks of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month and protesters will be given two stages, one within sight of the convention arena, under a security plan local and federal law enforcement authorities released Friday.

The plan comes in the wake of a federal lawsuit demanding protesters be allowed within view and hearing range of downtown Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum.

The plan calls for two roughly circular perimeters that extend for blocks around the arena. Vehicles will have to pass through checkpoints to travel between the two boundaries. Pedestrians will be allowed to move freely without being screened in that area. Only convention goers will be allowed within the inner perimeter.

No weapons of any kind will be allowed within the inner perimeter but people will be able to carry guns openly or concealed elsewhere as allowed under state law. Wisconsin statutes outlaw only machine guns, short-barreled shotguns and silencers.

“It’s about behaviors,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said. “So, understand that there is going to be that level of surveillance and monitoring that that’s the particular right that you like to express. Just don’t do anything that could be considered a threat or harm to the public.”

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«RELATED COVERAGE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> RELATED COVERAGE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Probe begins into police conduct during Kenya’s anti-government protests </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»>