Alderman Robert J. Bauman
(City of Milwaukee, 4th District)
May 31, 2024

Locked and loaded: Welcome to the RNC

Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman

The chickens are coming home to roost when it comes to Wisconsin’s gun laws.

How is that?

We are prohibiting citizens from possessing tennis balls and water bottles while allowing them to
possess fully loaded AR-15 assault rifles, among other firearms, in the “Security Footprint”
established for the Republican National Convention when it is held in downtown Milwaukee in
about six weeks. The Security footprint is a 15 square block zone established by city ordinance
in conjunction with the U. S. Secret Service encompassing all the facilities that will be used for
the convention—an event that has been designated a “National Special Security Event” pursuant
to federal law.

Allowing persons to possess firearms in the Security Footprint of a National Special Security
Event is lunacy and utterly ridiculous.

But under Wisconsin statutes (championed by Republican state legislators), municipalities
cannot regulate firearm possession. So this means that while we host a major political event
covered by global media, we will have armed individuals inside the RNC Security Footprint.

What’s more, the Security Footprint will serve as the location for First Amendment activity such
as parades, a speaker’s platform and other activity which will almost certainly involve groups
and individuals expressing sentiments in support of and in opposition to GOP polices and
candidates. This is a recipe for disaster if everyone can be armed.

Let that sink in.

-30-