Delegates from Michigan attend RNC under heightened security

As Michigan delegates head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to kick off the Republican National Convention, they know that security in and around the Fiserv Forum is a top priority.

Mark Forton, chairman of the Macomb County Republican Party, is among a group of delegates and alternates from Detroit Metropolitan Area is attending the RNC this week.

“They make you go through the metal detector and put all your belongings in the tray,” Forton said, explaining some of the security measures in place at the RNC convention arena.

Forton continued:

“It was typical. There’s a big area cordoned off around the building, which is what I expected. Lots of police. Police from different states. Michigan, Indiana, and of course the Secret Service is everywhere.”

The Secret Service and Milwaukee police have told the public they are prepared to make the four-day convention safe and secure. Officials said a security plan was developed over 18 months.

However, the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump over the weekend remains a pressing issue for many RNC attendees.

“This makes us suspicious about what actually happened that day,” Forton said.

Many delegates want answers about the security deficiencies at the rally in Pennsylvania where the shooting took place.

A gunman was allowed to climb over a wall onto a roof while witnesses watched him get into position to fire into a crowd and at Trump.

“I think the security forces are well aware of their failures that day,” Forton said. “I mean, in my opinion, that was really suspicious that day. I’m sorry. The roof was not secured. I would like to know why. I would like to know who was responsible for securing the roof. Because normally they would do that to secure buildings that are high up and within a certain perimeter. And the roof was not secured.”

While questions remain, Forton said he is excited to see Trump’s speech, vote on his party’s presidential nominee and hear more from JD Vance, the politician he has announced as his vice presidential running mate.