Milwaukee, WI
ACLU sues city over protest restrictions for Republican National Convention
MILWAUKEE — A legal battle is brewing in Wisconsin over details of the Republican National Convention.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin (ACLU) filed a lawsuit Wednesday night against the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Department of Public Works Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke over protest regulations for the 2024 convention.
Omar Flores is the co-chair of the Coalition to March on the RNC. He led a rally Thursday in front of the federal courthouse downtown to announce the filing of the lawsuit. It alleges that Milwaukee’s ordinances limiting where protesters can parade violates First Amendment rights.
Omar Flores is the co-chair of the Coalition to March on the RNC. He led a rally Thursday in front of the federal courthouse downtown to announce the filing of the lawsuit. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)
“We have been clear from the beginning. We will march within sight and sound of Fiserv Forum, as it is our constitutional right to assemble, speak and petition,” said Flores.
The group is fighting to march closer to the primary event sites — Fiserv Forum, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena, and the Baird Center — during the RNC in July.
City leaders and security officials have indicated all demonstrations are required to be outside the security footprint.
An official “protesting zone” has not been released yet, but it’s expected to be near Pere Marquette Park in downtown Milwaukee.
Pere Marquette Park in downtown Milwaukee. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)
Details will be announced in about two weeks, when the U.S. Secret Service releases its security perimeter where credentials will be required to enter.
Jeff Fleming, a spokesperson for Mayor Johnson, released a statement on behalf of the mayor’s office regarding the lawsuit.
“The City of Milwaukee is fully prepared to answer the court filings. We have consistently operated in good faith with all the different groups and individuals who are concerned about the demonstration plans. In fact, we have had open discussions and meetings with the litigants in this matter, including discussions just hours before the lawsuit was filed.
Fiserv Forum is within the main security footprint of the RNC. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)
“Milwaukee takes seriously its responsibility to provide an opportunity for people to express their opinions. The city is also focused on safety for all the people in and around the upcoming convention. We are working to maximize both those priorities.”
In the meantime, Flores said the Coalition to March on the RNC will not give up their fight, and they plan to start marching at noon on July 15, the first day of the RNC.