US: Heightened security, disruptions, protests likely in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 15-18 during Republican National Convention

Heightened security, road closures, and protests are likely in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 15-18, as the city hosts the Republican National Convention. During the event, the Republican Party will select its nominee for the 2024 US presidential election.

The Fiserv Forum will serve as the main venue for the convention; authorities will establish a security perimeter near the facility which will be closed to the general public starting 18:00 July 14. The closure zone will encompass an area with the following approximate boundaries

• West McKinley Avenue in the north

• Wet Wisconsin Avenue in the south

• North Vel Phillips Avenue to the east

• North 7th and North James Lovell streets to the west

• Parts of N Old World 3rd Street

• Pere Marquette Park

Additionally, starting 02:00 July 15, authorities will establish a broader perimeter where vehicles will be screened before being allowed access. Vessels will be prohibited from operating on the Milwaukee River between West Michigan Street and East Cherry Street starting 08:00 July 14. Access to the Henry Maier Festival park will also be restricted starting at 05:00 July 14. For details concerning the restricted areas and other security measures, click here.

Heightened security and transport and business disruptions are also possible in and around several parks and locations in the city, where convention-related events will be hosted, including Eckstein Hall, Baird Center, Bradley Symphony Center, the Pfister Hotel, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Mitchell Park, and the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Numerous protests are likely in central Milwaukee as the convention is taking place. Authorities have banned demonstrators from gathering inside the restricted area around the Fiserv Forum, but will allow protests along Martin Luther King Junior Drive.

Significant transport and business disruptions are likely in the city center through at least the morning of July 19. Higher-than-usual traffic congestion is also likely in other parts of Milwaukee. Authorities will almost certainly maintain a very tight security posture throughout the city, including at airports, public transport hubs, government buildings, and prominent public sites.