...
By Alia Shoaib
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Protesters will continue with long-planned demonstrations during the Republican National Convention this week despite the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday.
The Coalition to March on the RNC, which consists of several activist groups, has been planning to protest the conference taking place between July 15 and 18 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The coalition's website says that it is protesting against the "racist and reactionary agenda of the Republican Party" and aims to defend the rights of women, the LGBTQ+ community, and immigrants and to express support for Gaza.
Read More on Politics
"The shooting has nothing to do with us, and we're going to continue with the march as we planned," Omar Flores, a spokesman for the coalition, said at a press conference on Sunday.
In an emailed statement to Newsweek, the group said: "Nothing has changed. Thanks!"
The group repeatedly describes its march as being "family-friendly," and organizers expect around 5,000 to 10,000 people to attend, according to the Associated Press.
...
The coalition has negotiated with city officials for months over their planned march route, but on Saturday said they had come to a "handshake agreement."
Other small groups, including economic justice group Poor People's Army, have also planned smaller demonstrations.
The Secret Service has said that security plans developed over the past year will remain unchanged following Saturday's incident, per the AP.
"We take this matter very, very seriously. We take public safety very, very seriously," Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said*.* "And I have been so pleased to work in collaboration not just with the United States Secret Service but also with local law enforcement and public safety on the ground here."
Trump arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday, less than 24 hours after a gunman fired on him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump escaped with minor injuries after a bullet grazed his right ear, while one rallygoer was killed, and two other people were critically injured. The Secret Service fatally shot the gunman.
At the RNC, Trump is expected to be confirmed as the Republican presidential candidate and will announce his running mate. He is due to speak at the convention on Monday.
Trump told the Washington Examiner that he is changing his planned speech following Saturday's assassination attempt.
"The speech I was going to give on Thursday was going to be a humdinger," he told the outlet. "Had this not happened, this would've been one of the most incredible speeches" aimed primarily at President Joe Biden's policies.
"Honestly, it's going to be a whole different speech now."
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines