Published on June 15, 2024, 1:20 am

In recent months, discussions between the Secret Service, the city of Milwaukee and Republicans have centered around the critical issue of selecting a suitable “protest zone” for the forthcoming GOP Convention. As it stands, Republicans seem to have won key concessions that could potentially push protesters further away from Fiserv Forum.

The original location purposed for the protest zone was Pere Marquette Park. This spot lies approximately one third of a mile from the main entryway of Fiserv Forum. However, it raised concerns that delegates and visitors would face confrontations from various protesting groups marching in favor of issues like abortion rights and TDS as they made their way to the convention.

Instead, Republicans hinted at utilizing an alternative facility near Fiserv Forum for hosting some convention events. Such a move would necessitate an expansion of Secret Service’s security perimeter. Details on this decision are anticipated to be released in the coming days.

Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser for Trump, expressed appreciation towards Secret Service’s action in enclosing Pere Marquette Park within their security boundary. Further still, she implored local officials to process permits for this park promptly and relocate First Amendment zones elsewhere.

However, according to Secret Service spokeswoman Alexi Worley, plans establishing a secure zone are not yet finalized: “As of right now…, which includes the security perimeter, is still in development.” she said.

Several notable Republicans including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) expressed apprehensions regarding Pere Marquette Park’s close proximity to areas travelled by numerous attendees heading towards Fiserv Forum. Their prime concern revolves around possible clashes ensuing from protester-attendee contact if both parties find themselves in close vicinity.

While violent protests pose real threats capable of causing disruptions at both Democratic and Republican conventions alike, it remains uncertain whether these fears are fully recognized by Secret Service or other federal law enforcement bodies. Similarly unclear is how protesters wanting proximity closer than a third of a mile to Fiserv Forum fit into this conversation.

Omar Flores, a prominent figure among the protesters, voiced dissatisfaction with Pere Marquette Park’s site as it lies relatively distant from the convention space.

Regardless, an agreement on including the nearest park in the security perimeter may put Milwaukee city officials under pressure. Republicans have long called for shifting the protest zone half a mile south to Zeidler Union Square, making it both invisible and inaudible from convention participants filtering into the primary arena. In escalating these efforts, Republicans have submitted their own permit application for organizing events at Pere Marquette Park.

The responsibility of seeking permits for new locations rests now with city and Milwaukee County officials. Protests are brewing steadily, hinting towards a recapitulation of 1968’s Chicago upheavals along with demands for closer proximity to the convention site. The outcome remains uncertain pending final decisions by a federal court.