Secret Service enhances security after assassination attempt on Trump

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- Monday, July 15, was the first day full security protocol was in place for the secure zones around Fiserv Forum. Everyone inside the perimeter had to go through vehicle scans and security checkpoints.

Security has been top of mind even before the shooting in Pennsylvania, but leaders in charge say things are going smoothly.

The process to enter the secure zone begins blocks away, where federal agents have posted up at five locations for full vehicle scans.

An out-of-state officer working the X-ray screening on Water and State Street said they have not had any backups and each vehicle takes less than one minute to screen.

People empty out to get wanded while agents, K9s, and a giant scanner check the vehicles. The officers go through the entire car, from popping the hood and trunk, K-9s sniff for explosives, and officers use long mirrors to check under the car.

When they're cleared, the vehicles are escorted to one of the entry points.

Entry to the pedestrian-only perimeter requires another security screen, similar to airport security. There are metal detectors and wands for people, and K9s check all bags.

"Security was great. It was nice, quick, and thorough," said Greg Fanin, an Alabama delegate.

Sgt. Trent Smith, of the Indiana State Police, said law enforcement is always on a heightened sense of alert, even before the attempted assassination in Pennsylvania, but "Even more so after stuff like that, so there have been some changes made, but those things I just can't talk about."

But most federal and local leaders said major changes to security are not necessary.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said, "This event already has the highest designation that you could possibly get from the federal government in terms of security."

At an event Monday, mayors from around the country explained they're hearing of more frequent and local examples of dangerous rhetoric beyond the assassination attempt against former President Trump.

David Sander is the mayor of Rancho Cordova, CA, and the president of the National League of Cities. He said, "We're hearing from elected representatives all across the country about increased violence or threats or extreme rhetoric in city council meetings, in local hearings, in interactions with the public."

In the run-up to the convention, Milwaukee leaders pushed to ban several dangerous items from the secure zone, but state law prevented them from banning handguns within the soft secure zone.

In response to a question about handguns, Mayor Johnson said, "I know there's the issue of the possibility of bringing those in. We haven't seen- I haven't been briefed on any particular issue with that."

And that's no surprise to longtime Wisconsin politicos. Former Governor Scott Walker said law enforcement in Wisconsin is prepared to keep people safe because they do it so often. "They're used to candidates and surrogates coming in all the time, in and out. And that's what makes us such a great pick, it certainly has a security benefit."

Two veterans visiting from Alabama were impressed with the diversity of officers keeping people in the convention safe.

"Beautiful, it was multifaceted. We had a showing of Secret Service, local, everyone, and that made me feel like I was walking into a safe place," said Jo Winner, visiting from Alabama.

On Monday morning, the Secret Service said the agency strengthened its security plan for the RNC.

She noted that the Secret Service, collaborating with the FBI, state, and local agencies, is investigating the incident and reviewing security protocols, making adjustments to the security plan for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

While changes in Milwaukee were not specifically noted, Cheatle did say that the Secret Service is emphasizing dynamic operational security plans to ensure the highest level of safety.

"As the conventions progress, and in accordance with the direction of the President, the Secret Service will continuously adapt our operations as necessary in order to ensure the highest level of safety and security for convention attendees, volunteers and the City of Milwaukee," she said.