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The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week could be an “attractive” target for violent extremists and others looking to disrupt and wreak havoc at a high-profile political event, according to a threat assessment from federal agencies and Milwaukee police obtained by CNN.
The assessment said there has been a “re-emergence of disruption tactics targeting election symbols” this election season that are likely intended to “instill fear and disrupt the operation of election-related critical infrastructure facilities.” The report was prepared by officials from the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Wisconsin state and city law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis recently distributed the assessment to federal, state and local officials.
While there are “no credible reports indicating threats” against the Republican National Convention, “violent threat actors” may view the convention as “an attractive target due to its symbolic nature and ties to the 2024 general election,” the July 2 threat assessment said.
One of the “disruption tactics” that law enforcement is concerned about is “swatting,” in which callers make false crime reports to provoke a massive law enforcement response at a targeted residence. At least four swatting incidents have occurred at election officials’ homes since December, CNN previously reported.
About 50,000 people are expected to attend the Republican National Convention, which runs from July 15 to 18, as the GOP nominates Donald Trump as its presidential candidate. The convention comes at a time of intense partisan divisions and simmering tensions among Americans over President Joe Biden’s policies, including his handling of the Israel-Hamas war.
“The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI remain concerned about the potential for violent confrontations at lawful protests and rallies related to the 2024 Republican National Convention,” the threat assessment said.
Security concerns and a heavy law enforcement presence are also expected at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.
According to the threat assessment, the Republican National Convention, like other major political events, is an opportunity for foreign intelligence services to gather information on policy positions and individuals “perceived to have access” to political movements.
The assessment said large political events like the convention “remain attractive targets” for foreign terrorists and domestic violent extremists looking to draw attention to their ideological causes. CNN reported last month that there is growing concern among US officials that an ISIS affiliate could carry out attacks on US soil.
“The United States is in an elevated threat environment,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement to CNN, as detailed in a September threat assessment.
“We continue to work with our partners to assess the threat environment, keep the American people informed, and protect our homeland,” the statement said. “While there are no credible reports at this time indicating a threat to the Republican National Convention, the event may be considered targeted. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has designated the Republican National Convention a national special security event (NSSE), a designation commonly used for large events that may be targeted by criminals or terrorists, a US official told CNN. Threat assessments like the one issued for the Republican National Convention are issued for all NSSE events.
“While it is the FBI’s standard practice not to comment on specific intelligence products, the FBI routinely shares information with its law enforcement partners to help protect the communities they serve,” the FBI said in a statement to CNN. “The FBI encourages the public to remain vigilant and to report anything they see as suspicious to law enforcement.”
The Secret Service referred questions about the threat assessment to the Department of Homeland Security.
CNN has also reached out to the Milwaukee Police Department for comment.
Federal, state and local law enforcement officials have spent months preparing for the Republican National Convention, screening for potential threats and pursuing investigative leads. In February, an “unidentified individual” was seen “recording/photographing” a delivery at a loading dock outside the convention’s main venue, Fiserv Forum, according to a threat assessment. The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating the incident, according to the assessment.
The Secret Service announced security measures for the convention last month, including a perimeter to prevent protesters from gathering in a large park near the venue. The announcement came after months of disputes between the Secret Service and Republicans over security measures around the convention. Republicans have accused the Secret Service of ignoring their concerns, and the Secret Service has alleged that Republicans are obstructing efforts to secure the convention.
According to the threat assessment, law enforcement officials in the vicinity of the tournament are also on alert for suspicious mailed packages, arson, vandalism and the online posting of personal information of public officials.
Election offices in several states reported receiving suspicious packages around the time of the November 2023 gubernatorial and state legislative elections.
“We are also concerned about the potential for hoax threats that could disrupt the 2024 Republican National Convention, leading to evacuations and cancellations of political events and potentially straining law enforcement resources,” the document said.
A large influx of out-of-state visitors could also be an opportunity for sex traffickers, officials warned.
“The FBI anticipates that the victim will arrive in Wisconsin several weeks prior to the incident and will advertise online and in locations known to offer sexual services,” the FBI assessment states.
This story has been updated with additional information.
