Secret Service says RNC security plans have not been finalized after backlash

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Thursday said the security plans for the Republican National Convention next month has not been finalized, after protesters claimed the current plans would infringe on their rights to free speech.

Former President Donald Trump is expected to be officially nominated as the GOP choice for president during the four-day event in July. More than 30,000 people are expected to descend on the convention site during the event, including some protesters. But it is not clear how close demonstrators will be allowed to get.

Cheatle said she has been working with the RNC on security for the convention for more than a year, but the RNC recently expressed apprehension with the location of the protests. Republican leaders sent a letter to Cheatle, requesting the protest site be moved further from the main convention.

“We’re fully prepared,” Cheatle said, per the Associated Press. “We realize that there most likely will be demonstrations but we’re prepared to address those.”

Cheatle said several key factors are taken into consideration when planning the protest zones, including a "blast zone" assessment. The blast zone considers more than just bombs, it also looks at vehicles and other things that could be snuck in, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Details on the designated demonstration sites, and route, have not been released so far, but they are expected to release the final plan in approximately two weeks. But guns will be prohibited in the "hard zone." Those allowed in the hard zone must also have credentials. 

Law enforcement officers from Milwaukee and other nearby areas will help with security at the high-profile event. The RNC can also expect to see help from the National Guard if necessary.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.