GOP convention sets the stage for the Democratic convention in Chicago, activists and police say

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Activists who marched outside the Republican National Convention are trumpeting their efforts, despite crowd estimates falling short. Milwaukee police are praising their cooperation with other agencies in convention security, even as Ohio officers face scrutiny for shooting and killing a man while in the city.

Some activists and attendees say there was more caution after the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, while others say the setting was the right place to amplify their message and set the stage for future conventions.

Milwaukee has wrapped up its week in the national spotlight with lessons for Chicago, which hosts the Democratic National Convention next month.

Muted protests?

Packed crowds of activists marched through downtown Milwaukee on the convention’s first day, chanting for causes including solidarity with Palestinians and reproductive rights. Police on the scene and observers estimated roughly 1,000 people participated, while organizers say it was closer to 3,000.

Either way, the numbers fell short of the 5,000 to 10,000 the Coalition to March on the RNC had predicted in the lead up to the convention. Some think the shooting at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania may have scared some people away.

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