RIGHT NOW: "Simply not for democracy"

American politics
Large demonstration in Milwaukee near the Republican Party Convention

Benjamin Ekroth,

Noam Bertling,

Emil Forsberg

Updated 21.07 | Published 20.04

Thousands demonstrate in Milwaukee in connection with the Republican party convention.

Some hope it will be peaceful - but others believe it could turn violent.

- Donald Trump is simply not for democracy, says protester Joan Kaiser.

A large demonstration against Donald Trump and the Republicans is taking place in Milwaukee, as planned. At the same time, the Republican party convention is taking place in the city. According to AP, 5,000–10,000 people are expected to participate.

- We are here because we believe in democracy and Donald Trump is simply not for democracy, says protester Joan Kaiser.

She is there with her sister Barb Stollenwerk and says Trump's goal is to be an "authoritarian leader." They want the demonstration to go peacefully.

- I think our side will be peaceful, says Barb Stollenwerk.

Milwaukee resident Maggie is one of those who joined the demonstration.

- It's my city. I like it, I like the people here. I don't like those who like death cults and fascist leaders.

Here the protesters are marching against Trump. Photo: Emil Forsberg

The demonstration consists of different groups fighting for different issues. Among them are pro-Palestine movements and those fighting for abortion rights and LGBTQ+ issues.

"Stop the racist Donald Trump" and "Get out of Wisconsin", read some of the posters.

The demonstrators are guarded by a large police presence.

Counter-protesters are also present. The street preacher "Brother Jim", as he calls himself, is worried that the demonstration could turn violent.

- There is a chance for that, it is like that every time we are out preaching, he says.

He is not surprised by the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

- We know that if the Democrats did not succeed in imprisoning him, they would try to kill him.

            

          

           Milwaukee resident Maggie demonstrates against Trump.

           1 / 2Photo: Emil Forsberg

Heavy surveillance

It is a big security effort before the party convention. 1,700 American soldiers, the vast majority from the Home Guard, will work with the convention.

A Pentagon spokesperson told  CNN.

The soldiers will work for a safe convention and will also support the FBI, Secret Service and the police in their work.

The protest march is monitored both on land and water. Here with the helmet of two patrol boats equipped with machine guns. Photo: Emil Forsberg

Planning dispute

The demonstration has been preceded by arguments between Republicans, the Secret Service and the protesters over where and how the protests would take place. The protesters have been anxious to be both seen and heard from the Fiserv Forum, the arena where Republicans are held, while Republicans wanted to keep them as far away as possible from their party convention.

The assassination attempt on Donald Trump changed neither the planned activities of the Republicans nor the protesters.

- The shooting has nothing to do with us. We will continue with the march as planned, Omar Flores, a spokesman for the protesters, told Politico.

            

        There is a chance that the demonstration will turn violent, says counter-demonstrator Brother Jim.