The controversy deals one of the biggest potential blows to Trump’s decision to hold a naming convention in person during a pandemic. The proposal has already been haunted by security concerns and reports of high-profile Republicans refusing to attend.
Williams, a Republican, would definitely not say there is no way the event can be held. But he said he had serious doubts about it, especially in an era of intense protests about the use of force by the police.
Williams said the event, scheduled for August 24-27, was announced in June, giving his agency little time to plan and prepare. The Republican National Committee has yet to determine which convention events will be in which locations, making it more challenging. And a promised donation of $ 50 million has been rejoined to $ 33 million, and Williams said, there are conditions that hinder the contract.
The location was moved to Jacksonville from Charlotte, North Carolina, after that state’s Democrat-led government clashed with President Donald Trump over security concerns over holding a convention during a pandemic. Trump insisted that he wanted a “complete” convention at the time.
Since then, Trump has rejected his demand for a full-fledged convention, but the proposal has continued to meet logistical hurdles as the RNC has not compromised on specific details, such as whether Trump would have his nomination in an indoor or outdoor arena. The RNC could not be immediately contacted.
Meanwhile, Florida has become a breeding ground for coronavirus infections. That has made it difficult to recruit more law enforcement officers to attend the event.
In early July, the Florida Sheriffs Association asked departments in the state’s 67 counties to have 2,000 officers, according to an email obtained by POLITICO. But only 500 were able to go, Bob Gualtieri, association president and Pinellas County sheriff told POLITICO over the weekend. Williams also appealed to the Florida Association of Chiefs of Police for help, but is still falling short.
“We need law enforcement officers and we have commitments, but not at the level we thought we needed. And a lot of that is people with virus problems from their communities, and I understand that, ”Williams said.
“But there are many things that need to happen: a defined event schedule and being able to sign contracts and spend money so that we can prepare for this event. And none of that has happened yet, ”he said. “So here we are in 40 days, and I really haven’t pulled the trigger on anything RNC related when it comes to finance or contracts and, you know, just security related, nothing matters, nothing related to any of this . “
Other sheriffs told POLITICO they sympathize with Williams.
Martin County Sheriff Bill Snyder said he will send about 20 officers but will not question holding the convention. He is committed to helping Williams.
“It is like a shooting. I don’t think we should have shootings. But if you have one, I’m coming, ”said Snyder. “It will be a harmful drink of vitriol and emotion.”
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Trump’s security details already make such large demands on local police that it makes it difficult to provide security for him, which Chitwood witnessed first hand during the recent trip by the president to Daytona Beach.
Chitwood said he did not believe the event would take place and said that the RNC is struggling to do the impossible.
“There is a fear of saying no because anyone who says no to the president, it is as if he is going with his head,” Chitwood said.
Chitwood, who has promised to send about two dozen officers, said the conventions need months of planning “and that without Covid-19.”
“There will be tons of problems,” he added. “This has something that has never happened before. And for some reason, common sense is being thrown out the window.”
Williams repeatedly referred to lack of time, saying that even if she started planning in June, it would have been difficult to accomplish.
“In almost 75 days it was an incredible lift, and everything would have to be perfect. And it goes without saying no, ”Williams said. “So with that, we can’t do it in any kind of current setup. But again, it is not my job to plan the RNC. It is my job to be able to provide security, but I cannot do it at this time with this current event setup. ”
