RNC 2024; downtown Milwaukee traffic, extra security

MILWAUKEE – Delegates are getting down to business inside Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee. But it was hardly “business as usual” for those living in and around the security zone on Monday, July 15. 

Considering the backups and traffic congestion, people living and working downtown are taking all of it in stride.  

A FOX6 News camera captured the scene near Water and Michigan – right outside the “vehicle screening perimeter” on Monday morning. There were long lines of buses and shuttles. Traffic was backed up for blocks. FOX6 News saw police officers letting vehicles pass through the intersection one at a time. 

There are five vehicle screening points in the downtown area. Locals say they knew it would be difficult getting around.

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Tyler Barragan is visiting from Long Angeles to see his brother in a baseball game up north. He knew Milwaukee would be busy because of the convention, but he stopped in the downtown area anyway – right from the airport. Barragan told FOX6 News, Milwaukee‘s traffic is nothing compared to Los Angeles. 

“I’ve only been here for – in Milwaukee, the city, for maybe 20 minutes. I was in the Public Market – there’s some good food in there.  Yeah, I would totally come back,” Barragan said. 

Barragan stopped in the Milwaukee Public Market – and so did FOX6 News. It was nearly empty at 12:15 p.m. Across the street, there were only three people inside Colectivo. 

Precaution after apparent assassination attempt

Before the vice presidential running mate pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, safety and security were the talk of the convention.

It kicked off roughly 48 hours after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

The U.S. Secret Service began its vehicle screening checkpoints at 2 a.m. Monday morning, which caused some heavy delays.

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As they popped hoods and trunks and used K-9s to inspect incoming vehicles, snipers were also seen positioned on top of Fiserv Forum and nearby venues.

“Honestly, they’ve done such an amazing job. Everybody goes through the mags,” New Hampshire delegate Ross Barry said. “Everything’s great, yeah. I mean, does anybody look concerned around here? You know, so everything’s great.”  

A guest agreed.

“They’ve made the security tighter. We have lots of Milwaukee Police, Wisconsin State Police,” P. They’re gonna do their jobs, because I believe that all of us want to be safe.”

Arrests made

Police said a 36-year-old man was arrested for disorderly conduct on at approximately 3:20 p.m., near Red Arrow Park. Police said he intentionally disrupted protesters, took signs from them and attempted to knock a booth which caused a disturbance. 

The suspect was arrested, cited and released. 

A 61-year-old woman was also arrested around 6 p.m., near 9th and Winnebago. Police said she intentionally blocked a vehicle checkpoint and refused to move after given several lawful orders. 

The protester was arrested, cited and released.