There is extra security at this year’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Indiana State Police troopers have been called in to help.
State Police Sergeant Matt Ames says about 70 troopers will be in Wisconsin to secure the convention and related events. They will also handle security at convention protests and stay in Milwaukee through Friday.
“The troopers that we have sent have special training that they’ve received for handling large gatherings,” Ames said. “Those troopers have special equipment to deal with those situations.”
Ames said these plans were made well before the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He noted that the main role of the Indiana State Police is to support the Milwaukee Police Department, which is responsible for securing the city.
“Milwaukee Police Department will logistically figure out what parts of their city needs to have additional coverage,” said Ames. “And they will speak with the department heads from each agency to make sure that they have everything covered.”
Indiana State Police have arranged schedules to ensure local communities receive full coverage. Troopers will work overtime to fill any gaps.
Ames said the troopers assigned to the RNC will be back by Friday.