Democratic Party officials said Wednesday they are targeting a “safe and secure” national nomination convention next month in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after law enforcement agencies pulled out of security deals for the event.
“As plans evolve due to the ongoing pandemic, we will continue to work with local law enforcement officials, in coordination with the United States Secret Service, to ensure that the 2020 Democratic National Convention is a safe event. for Milwaukee residents and everyone involved with our convention, “convention press secretary Tim Carroll told Fox News.
MORE THAN 100 POLICE AGENCIES COME OUT OF THE SECURITY OF THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
Carroll’s statement comes a day after more than 100 law enforcement agencies pulled out of security deals to send staff to next month’s Democratic National Convention on orders that would prevent officers from using certain crowd control measures during possible protests.
The police departments were part of a collective of external agencies prepared to send officers to ensure the event, which will take place from August 17 to 20. The action comes after the Milwaukee Police and Fire Commission ordered Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales to change the department’s policy to restrict the use of tear gas and pepper spray.
The civilian oversight commission issued the directive last week in response to the use of tear gas in crowds during protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minnesota. Floyd’s death in late May sparked protests and riots in cities across the country. Demonstrations against police brutality towards minorities and systemic racism still continue in some cities.
West Allis Police Department officials in suburban Milwaukee told Fox6 News in Wisconsin, “We believe that WAPD officers assisting with the DNC may be in a position where they may not have the proper equipment to perform their tasks safely and protect the public. “
They said they are no longer sending 10 officers to help with convention security.
DEMOCRATS 2-HOUR FIRST-TIME PROGRAMMING TARGET FOR THE BACK-SCALE CONVENTION
The convention, which will take place in Central Wisconsin in downtown Milwaukee, has been reduced to primarily virtual collusion. While former Vice President Joe Biden will accept his presidential nomination in person on the last night of the convention, most events will be held online.
In the spring, when the coronavirus pandemic was sweeping the nation and forcing most Americans to curl up in their homes, party officials delayed the start of the convention from mid-July to August 17. And last month the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that its confab would be conducted primarily online, with delegates and Democratic members of Congress participating in the convention virtually rather than in person. They also narrowed their place from the Milwaukee indoor arena to the much smaller convention center.
Louis Casiano of Fox News contributed to this report.
