As the United States gears up for the Republican National Convention (RNC), a contentious rule has caught national attention, especially in the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Despite the recent shooting incident at a rally in Pennsylvania, no changes have been made to the security arrangements, and guns will still be permitted outside the convention center.
Guns Permitted in Outer Perimeter Despite Security Risks
While firearms are not allowed within the immediate security perimeter around the RNC, they will be permitted in the outer perimeter, which is guarded by the Secret Service. According to ABC News, Wisconsin’s state laws are a significant reason for allowing ammunition near the event. Under Wisconsin law, individuals can openly carry guns and conceal-carry weapons with a permit, albeit only within the “soft perimeter” surrounding the heavily guarded “hard perimeter.”
Increased Scrutiny Amid Recent Violence
The leniency in gun regulations has sparked scrutiny due to recent violent events. On Saturday, former President Trump was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania. Images of Trump with blood coming from his right ear as he was whisked away by security services sent shockwaves around the world. Despite this, city officials told ABC News that they do not expect any changes to the security arrangements for the RNC.
Milwaukee Ordinance Bans Tennis Balls, Not Guns
While guns are not banned near the convention center, a recently passed Milwaukee city ordinance outlines items prohibited from being carried near the venue. Interestingly, the banned items include tennis balls and paintball guns. The ordinance only prohibits weapons already outlawed by Wisconsin state law, such as fully automatic guns. This means that within walking distance of the RNC Convention Hall, a person cannot carry a paintball gun but can openly carry an AR-15.
Critics Label Gun Policy as “Ridiculous”
Milwaukee City Alderman Robert Bauman, who proposed adding guns to the city ordinance, criticized the current bans on tennis balls as “utterly ridiculous.” He remarked, “I could just picture this image of somebody coming up to the entry point with, you know, an AR-15 strapped over one shoulder, a long rifle over another, and two pistols in his belt, and the cops asking him, ‘You got any tennis balls?’”
Wisconsin’s status as an open-carry state allows the public to carry firearms, including assault rifles. State laws also prevent local governments from regulating firearms beyond state allowances. “We as a city cannot legislate out of that,” Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman stated at an RNC security press conference held on Sunday afternoon. “Unless there’s something that is against state law, we have to respect Second Amendment rights, especially in regards to open-carry and conceal-carry if you’re licensed,” Norman added.
As the RNC approaches, the debate over gun regulations and public safety continues to intensify, with critics calling for more stringent measures to prevent potential violence at the event.