Title: Thousands of Protesters to Rally Against Republican National Convention in Milwaukee
The Republican National Convention (RNC) is set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 18-21, 2024. While Republicans gather inside Fiserv Forum arena to nominate their presidential candidate and running mate, thousands of protesters are expected to rally outside the convention site.
According to reports, over 120 groups have joined a Coalition to March on the RNC 2024, with organizers anticipating as many as 5,000 people in attendance. The protesters' motivations include opposition to United States support of Israel and its military actions in Gaza; abortion limits; immigration policies; police accountability; and protections for L.G.B.T.Q individuals.
The Poor People's Army, one of the organizations planning to march, will come from King Park, with Galen Tyler, co-founder of the group, encouraging people to consider alternatives to the two-party system.
Despite initial permit denials in October 2023 and subsequent back-and-forth dialogue between organizers and the mayor's office, a handshake agreement has reportedly been reached regarding the march route. The Poor People's Army will hold their own 'People's 1st Convention' before marching down to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Milwaukee has a history of violent protests and mass arrests, including during the Democratic convention in Chicago in 1968 and the Republican convention in St. Paul in 2008. The city's response to the George Floyd protests using tear gas and rubber bullets highlights its struggles with protest management.
Studies have shown that aggressive policing tactics, such as tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrests, can lead to increased conflict and violence in subsequent days. Negotiated management is a more effective strategy for managing protests by prioritizing collaboration between authorities and demonstrators to minimize disruption and maintain peace.
As Milwaukee prepares for the 2024 Republican National Convention, it remains to be seen how law enforcement will handle the anticipated protests. Stay tuned for updates.