By Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 2024 – Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in downtown Milwaukee to protest at the Republican National Convention (RNC). Despite an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, their plans to demonstrate outside the event remain unchanged.
A wide range of organizations and activists assembled in a park outside the Fiserv Forum’s security perimeter on Monday. They listened to speakers before a street march coordinated by the Coalition to March on the RNC. This coalition, primarily composed of local groups, is advocating for an end to the war in Gaza and supports abortion and immigrant rights. Organizers anticipated 5,000 to 10,000 attendees.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with music playing over loudspeakers, a man strumming a guitar, and vendors selling T-shirts and buttons supporting both Republicans and Democrats. One demonstrator wore an orange prison jumpsuit and a cutout of Trump’s face.
Protesters carried signs with messages such as “Stand with Palestine,” “We Can No Longer Afford the Rich,” and “Defend and Expand Immigrant Rights.” At one point, a group of demonstrators argued with counter-protesters who denounced LGBTQ rights, Muslims, Black Lives Matter, and others.
As the demonstrations set off on the march around the arena’s perimeter, temperatures approached 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). The crowd chanted slogans like, “Hey-hey, ho-ho, Republicans have got to go.”
