Former US President Donald Trump has arrived in Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention, just a day after surviving an assassination attempt. The party conference in Milwaukee is proceeding as planned despite the shooting incident at a rally in Pennsylvania, where Trump was shot in the ear.
Trump took to social media to announce that he had considered delaying his trip by two days but ultimately decided against it, stating, “I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else.” The attack on Trump has raised concerns about the safety and security of the event, which is set to begin on Monday at the arena that is home to the NBA Milwaukee Bucks basketball team.
Despite the heightened focus on security, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, RNC coordinator for the US Secret Service, assured the public during a news conference in Milwaukee that there would be no changes to the security plan. With an estimated 50,000 attendees expected at the four-day event, the convention promises a mix of pageantry, politics, and policy as the party gears up for the upcoming general election in November.
The convention, held once every four years, serves as a platform for each party to formally select their presidential candidates and prepare for the final stretch of campaigning. Delegates from each state will pledge their support to the candidate of their choice and approve a platform. Trump, as the party’s presumptive nominee, is expected to secure the nomination with his delegate count from the primaries.
The list of speakers at the convention includes notable figures such as Donald Trump Jr., South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Arizona Republican Kari Lake. Former First Lady Melania Trump is also expected to make a rare public appearance at the event, which could help present a united front for the party.
The convention will feature themed days focusing on different aspects of Trump’s agenda, with speakers addressing topics such as wealth, safety, strength, and greatness. Additionally, protests are planned during the event, with the Coalition to March on the RNC expecting 5,000 participants to demonstrate against the Republican agenda.
For those interested in following the RNC, live coverage and updates can be found on BBC News, BBC World News, and the RNC website. Trump’s speech on Thursday will be broadcast live, followed by reaction and analysis of the event. Stay tuned for the latest developments from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
