Federal, state and local law enforcement officials are on high alert ahead of the Republican National Convention, which begins in Milwaukee on Monday.
A joint threat assessment created by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Threat Analysis Center of Southeast Wisconsin was sent to law enforcement officials in advance of the RNC, calling for increased awareness.
No credible or specific threats were identified during the assessment, a law enforcement source told CBS News Saturday.
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The assessment found there are concerns that the convention and pre- and post-convention venues could be attractive targets for foreign terrorist organizations, homegrown violent extremists, domestic violent extremist groups, so-called lone wolves and active shooters, a law enforcement source said.
Other key findings of the threat assessment include that the convention could be seen as an attractive target due to its symbolic nature and link to the 2024 general election.
As such, all law enforcement and security agencies will need to strengthen their presence and resources during the event.
The Republican and Democratic conventions are considered high priority events for law enforcement and are comparable to other large, high-profile gathering events such as the Super Bowl and presidential inaugurations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security classifies the RNC as a SEAR-1 event, defined as “significant events of national and/or international significance that require significant federal interagency support.” Federal law enforcement bulletins such as the Joint Threat Assessment are required for all SEAR-1 events.
At least two dozen states and the District of Columbia are sending officers to the convention, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. More departments could be added to the list “up until the convention begins,” officials said.
The US Secret Service is the main agency coordinating events next week.
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Republicans from across the country will descend on Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee to nominate their presidential candidate. Former President Donald Trump’s nomination this week is considered a formality. He won the nomination in March After collecting the necessary 1,125 delegates, Trump has yet to announce a vice president.
The convention begins Monday and runs through Thursday, with the official nomination of the presidential candidate and running mate expected Monday afternoon.
Milwaukee is considered a democratic strongholdBut holding the convention in Wisconsin, a key swing state, puts the Republican Party’s message in front of key voters.
Nicole Spagna contributed to this report.
Patrick Milton
