More than 5,000 protesters expected to march during RNC

MILWAUKEE — More than 5,000 protesters are expected to rally and march against the Republican agenda outside the Republican National Convention (RNC) Monday.

The march will go on as previously agreed with the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) despite the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump Saturday, coalition spokesperson Omar Flores said at a press conference Sunday.

Among the organizations marching are the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression, Reproductive Action Justice and Legalization for All, which campaigns to defend and expand immigrant rights.

Outlined on the website, the coalition said they aim to “fight the racist and reactionary agenda of the Republican Party, defend women’s, LGBTQ, and reproductive rights, support peace and equity for all and stand with Palestine.”

Based on negotiations over the past two years, the coalition has an agreement with the city to rally at Red Arrow Park at 11 a.m. and march along a route near the security perimeter of the RNC at 12 p.m.

The coalition was told MPD will staff 4,500 police but are unaware of any increased police presence or national guard in wake of the shooting, according to Flores. The coalition is prepared for a “family friendly” march with over 100 protest martials and over 30 medics.

Members of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Students for a Democratic Society, many of whom participated in an encampment against the university’s financial involvement with Israel, will also march.

When asked if they condemned the assassination attempt on Trump, Flores said during the press conference “the shooting has nothing to do with us.” 

The group hopes to build on the city’s history of peaceful protest, according to Flores.

The RNC is set to take place July 15 through July 18 in Milwaukee. The coalition does not have any current plans to march aside from Monday.

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