Security is tight at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this week — even tighter following the horrific assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday. The security perimeter extends out several blocks beyond Fiserv Forum — and for good reason: It’s only Tuesday, and there have now been several security incidents at or near the perimeter.
As Jeff Charles reported, a man was fatally shot by police Tuesday afternoon near the perimeter.
REPORT: Police Officers Fatally Shoot Man Near Republican National Convention Site
A police officer reportedly shot and killed a man on Tuesday afternoon near the area where the Republican National Convention (RNC) is taking place in downtown Milwaukee. The incident comes after a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
The incident occurred close to the security perimeter for the RNC.
Police officers from Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed a man Tuesday afternoon near 14th and Vliet streets in Milwaukee, which is about 1 mile from Fiserv Forum, the main RNC venue.
Witnesses told WISN 12 News two homeless men were fighting in King Park, and one of them pulled a knife out. The witnesses said the men were startled when so many officers responded. Witnesses say the man with the knife was fired on by numerous officers. This has not yet been confirmed by police.
Two WISN 12 News sources say five officers fired.
There is a large police presence, including the Secret Service, at the scene. Beloit police are helping to secure the park.
Later Tuesday afternoon, we learned that a man was arrested on Monday as he approached the perimeter — armed with an AK-47 and wearing a ski mask.
BREAKING: Per federal law enforcement source, yesterday, HSI & Capitol Police surveilling the RNC secure perimeter stopped a suspicious man wearing a ski mask blocks away from Fiserv Forum. I’m told he had a AK47 pistol, a full magazine, & a Scream mask in a large backpack he was… pic.twitter.com/cMwxdvv38d
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 16, 2024
BREAKING: Per federal law enforcement source, yesterday, HSI & Capitol Police surveilling the RNC secure perimeter stopped a suspicious man wearing a ski mask blocks away from Fiserv Forum. I’m told he had a AK47 pistol, a full magazine, & a Scream mask in a large backpack he was carrying.
Milwaukee PD arrested him. Unknown what his plans or intentions were. Milwaukee PD confirms they arrested a 21-year-old man who was carrying a concealed weapon & did not have a legal CCW permit. They sent me the following statement. Secret Service referred me to Milwaukee PD, and I’ve reached out to DHS for comment. More details as they come.
Additionally, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) shared on X that he was assaulted on Tuesday while standing in line to enter the event.
While standing in line to enter an event at the RNC today, I was assaulted by what appeared to be a member of the pro-Hamas group CODEPINK. A nearby police officer witnessed this assault and I understand they have been arrested.
This appears to be an incident of political…
— Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) July 16, 2024
While standing in line to enter an event at the RNC today, I was assaulted by what appeared to be a member of the pro-Hamas group CODEPINK. A nearby police officer witnessed this assault and I understand they have been arrested.
This appears to be an incident of political violence and I will never tolerate this. Regardless of the severity of the violence, political violence is political violence.
Republicans have been intimidated and targeted for years including the attempted assassination of President Trump and we will no longer standby and allow lawlessness.
There is no place for political violence in this country and I have repeatedly called for people who choose this path to be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.
Nothing will change until these people are held accountable.
Thankfully, it appears the woman who accosted Van Orden has also been arrested.
These are developing stories. RedState will provide additional information as it becomes available.
