RNC 2024: Security measures in Milwaukee laid out by Secret Service

The U.S. Secret Service and public safety partners in Milwaukee held a news conference on Friday, June 21 to discuss the security measures that will be in place during the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC).

Vehicular, public transportation and pedestrian impacts should be expected downtown in the areas around the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center. City residents and visitors are asked to expect delays throughout the week and plan accordingly. 

Temporary road closures will be in effect intermittently beginning July 11. Official closures will begin July 14 and run through approximately July 19. 

The secure areas for the event are divided into a Vehicle Screening Perimeter, shaded in yellow on the public security map, and a Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter, shaded in red. 

RNC 2024: Security measures in Milwaukee

Public Security Map:

  • Vehicle Screening Perimeter (Yellow): Residences and businesses inside the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be accessible to the public. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to freely enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter from any area. Vehicles will be permitted to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, though they must enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the map. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will be permitted in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter; drivers will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point.
  • Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter (Red): The Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter will be accessible only to credentialed or ticketed individuals, such as convention attendees or volunteers. Pedestrians must enter through one of the pedestrian checkpoints, which will be marked on an attendee-specific map distributed to credentialed individuals. Personal vehicles, as well as bicycles and small scooters, will not be permitted to enter the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will not be permitted in the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter.
  • Milwaukee to set up two protest zones for the RNC: Zeidler Union Square and Haymarket Square.

The downtown portion of the Milwaukee River will also be closed.

For one day, Sunday, July 14, the area around the Summerfest grounds and the Hoan Bridge will be closed off for a welcome party.

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There will be two spots for demonstrators on the outer perimeter for the Republican National Convention. The city says they are prime locations, but protesters say they won't be stepping foot there.

Trash services, mail, and package delivery will continue in both. However, schedules will be shifted for service to occur in the overnight and early morning hours.

"The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to keeping the entire City of Milwaukee safe during the RNC," Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey B. Norman said. "We are grateful for our federal, state, county and local partnerships that are working with us to ensure a safe event."

"We have a comprehensive security plan in place to address any and all security matters that could, could occur. So we're prepared to respond any situation that arises," said Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, Secret Service RNC Coordinator.

A complete list of parking restrictions, road closures, and maritime restrictions will be available here.

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Participating agencies included: the U.S. Secret Service, the Milwaukee Police Department, the FBI, FEMA, the Milwaukee Fire Department, the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Milwaukee Health Department, and the Office of the Mayor for the City of Milwaukee.   

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RNC security: Guns OK, tennis balls banned within rough footprint

The Milwaukee Common Council approved a long list of restrictions for the Republican National Convention's rough security footprint.

The RNC is scheduled to play out from Monday, July 15 through Thursday, July 18.