Michigan State Police helps at Republican convention
What happened on the first day of the Republican National Convention?
USA TODAY Washington bureau chief Susan Page and chief political correspondent Phillip Bailey analyze the first day of the RNC.
Michigan attendees of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee may notice some familiar uniforms; the Michigan State Police have sent patrol officers to help with security at the event.
According to a press release from the MSP last week, 35 state troopers were scheduled to go to Milwaukee starting July 13, pursuant to a request from the city under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. They will stay there for seven days, two days after the RNC ends on Thursday.
“We are ready to assist our colleagues in Milwaukee with this high-profile event,” said MSP Director Colonel James F. Grady II. “As state police officers, our members are trained in crowd management and on-site security to ensure a safe environment for everyone. We have planned our mobilization to leave sufficient personnel behind here in our state.”
Under the EMAC, states can receive and send aid in the event of a disaster. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency for the city of Milwaukee at the end of May before the RNC. His spokeswoman Britt Cudaback said at the time that such a declaration was “a standard part of preparation” for major events such as the convention.
In Milwaukee, MSP staff will “assist with security and crowd control outside the convention center,” according to a press release.
More: From turmoil to unity: Republicans in Michigan join forces to support Trump on the national stage
More: Donald Trump and his new running mate JD Vance campaign in Michigan at the first rally since the shooting
Michigan is not the only state sending its police forces to support the conference. According to a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Emergency Management, as of the time of the statement, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey and North Carolina, among others, have committed to providing support through EMAC. California Governor Gavin Newsom also announced Sunday that the state would send 61 police officers through EMAC.
Security is a heightened concern following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said changes have been made to Trump’s staff to “ensure his continued protection during the convention and the remainder of the campaign.” Trump’s attendance at the RNC on Monday night was his first public appearance since the shooting.
Michigan has deployed MSP troops to other states in the past, including during severe weather, hurricanes and the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. The release said the city of Chicago has not submitted a similar EMAC request for the Democratic National Convention scheduled for next month.
Diamy Wang is an audience engagement intern at the Detroit Free Press. Reach her at [email protected].
Love Island viewers were delighted by Grace’s food mistake
Talented 4-star ATH plans visit to Michigan State Football
Piano series begins on Saturday in Port Townsend
About The Author
