'Utter mess of a failure': Secret Service slammed for saying it is 'confident' in security measures for RNC, won't make any changes

Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: In the wake of an assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, the Secret Service announced on Sunday, July 14, that it will not alter its security measures for the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee.

Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the Secret Service’s RNC convention coordinator, reassured reporters, “We are confident in the plans that we have and are moving forward with those plans.”

Donald Trump's arrival in Milwaukee and security perimeters

Donald Trump, 78, is set to arrive in Milwaukee on Sunday, July 21, ahead of the four-day convention. During this event, he will be formally named the Republican nominee for president. The convention is expected to draw thousands of delegates, politicians, members of the press, and protesters to the Midwestern city.

Earlier on Sunday, July 14, President Joe Biden directed Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to “review all security measures” for the GOP convention following the violent incident at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooting at the rally resulted in Trump being injured, one rally-goer dead, and two others wounded.

Despite this, Gibson-Cicchino emphasized, “That security plan will remain in place,” referring to the existing security setup that allows armed protesters to enter a “soft perimeter” near the convention site.

The Secret Service has established a “hard” perimeter closer to Fiserv Forum, where Trump and other GOP figures will address the delegates. This area is restricted to only credentialed convention attendees.

In contrast, the outer “soft” perimeter allows public access, including armed protesters, due to Wisconsin’s open-carry laws. Vehicles entering this outer zone will undergo security checks.

RNC officials and the Secret Service have spent 18 months meticulously planning security for the convention. Despite the increased security, fears of potential violence have risen, especially within the soft perimeter.

Democratic Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers reportedly requested the Secret Service reconsider the allowance of firearms in this area, but Gibson-Cicchino stated she was unaware of such a request.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson clarified that the city government does not have the authority to ban weapons at the event, highlighting the convention’s national special security event designation, which is the highest possible, the New York Post reported.

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman expressed his support for the Secret Service’s decision, stating, “I’m very comfortable in regards to the plans we’ve made together.” 

He also noted that the inner perimeter is the largest ever established for a political convention, confidently asserting, “We got this.”

Secret Service slammed on social media

Despite the reassurances from the Secret Service and local authorities, the decision to maintain the current security plans sparked quite a pushback on social media. Many users voiced their disbelief and frustration at the agency’s stance.

"The not-so-secret service is compromised," one social media user wrote on X.

"Please share with the class what could possibly lead you to be so overconfident after the complete and utter mess of a failure in Butler PA," another said.

"Why does this statement not allay my concerns? Maybe because their plans for the last Trump event ended with attendees dead and injured," someone else remarked.

"Trump & RNC should go private security. I’m willing to bet there are many qualified Vets out there ready to roll," read one comment.

"Of course, Frito Lay Lady (head of the Secret Service... Look up her previous job) doesn't want to do her job and beef up security for the next President of the United States," another person wrote while mocking Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's previous job as the director in global security at PepsiCo.

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