Current:Home > StocksFederal judge rules protesters can’t march through Republican National Convention security zone-LoTradeCoin
Federal judge rules protesters can’t march through Republican National Convention security zone
View Date:2024-12-24 07:22:42
MADISON, Wis . (AP) — A federal judge ruled Monday that protesters can’t march through a security zone at the Republican National Convention, handing a defeat to liberals who had pushed to have closer access to where delegates will be gathering next week in Milwaukee.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024 filed a lawsuit last month against the city of Milwaukee, alleging that the city’s plans for protesters violated their free speech rights. They had asked the judge to order that the city design a protest parade route that is within sight and hearing of the Fiserv Forum where thousands of Republicans will be gathering starting Monday to nominate Donald Trump for president.
U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig said in his order that protesters have a right to march in protest of the RNC, “but the First Amendment does not allow them to protest or parade in any way they choose.”
Ludwig said that Milwaukee city officials and the U.S. Secret Service have worked to balance protesters’ right to express themselves and “legitimate security and other governmental interests.”
“The vast majority of the resulting security plan is a reasonable and valid time, place, and manner regulation on speech,” the judge said in denying the protesters’ request for closer access to the convention site.
What to know about the 2024 Election
- Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since 2020. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
- AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
- Read the latest: Follow AP’s complete coverage of this year’s election.
The judge sided with the ACLU on one issue, ruling that the city and the Commissioner of Public Works Jerrel Kruschke could not approve speaker and demonstration applications on the basis of an applicant’s criminal history.
Ludwig said the city “overstepped their authority in reserving their ability to deny protest permits based on” a past criminal conviction.
Both sides have until Wednesday if they wish to pursue other legal options.
Omar Flores, chairman of the March on the RNC Coalition, declined to comment on the ruling before the group holds a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Protesters have complained that the city is keeping them too far away from the convention site, which is inside a security perimeter where credentials are required to gain access. Protesters have wanted to march inside that security zone. However, the security plan establishes a parade route about five blocks from the arena, with a stage for speakers within the route.
veryGood! (64679)
Related
- Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
- The blizzard is just one reason behind the operational meltdown at Southwest Airlines
- Gigi Hadid Shares Rare Glimpse of Her and Zayn Malik's Daughter Khai
- North Korea has hacked $1.2 billion in crypto and other assets for its economy
- Research reveals China has built prototype nuclear reactor to power aircraft carrier
- How 2% became the target for inflation
- Climate Change is Weakening the Ocean Currents That Shape Weather on Both Sides of the Atlantic
- Shop the Must-Have Pride Jewelry You'll Want to Wear All Year Long
- UConn, Kansas State among five women's college basketball games to watch this weekend
- With Climate Change Intensifying, Can At-Risk Minority Communities Rely on the Police to Keep Them Safe?
Ranking
- Oregon's Dan Lanning, Indiana's Curt Cignetti pocket big bonuses after Week 11 wins
- Florida man's double life is exposed in the hospital when his wife meets his fiancée
- Nikki McCray-Penson, Olympic gold-medalist and Women's Basketball Hall of Famer, dies at 51
- Tree Deaths in Urban Settings Are Linked to Leaks from Natural Gas Pipelines Below Streets
- Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked
- California's governor won't appeal parole of Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten
- Harris and Ocasio-Cortez Team up on a Climate ‘Equity’ Bill, Leaving Activists Hoping for Unity
- California's governor won't appeal parole of Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten
Recommendation
-
Garth Brooks wants to move his sexual assault case to federal court. How that could help the singer.
-
'Can I go back to my regular job?' Sports anchor goes viral for blizzard coverage
-
Why Scarlett Johansson Isn't Pitching Saturday Night Live Jokes to Husband Colin Jost
-
Taylor Swift releases Speak Now: Taylor's Version with previously unreleased tracks and a change to a lyric
-
John Robinson, former USC Trojans and Los Angeles Rams coach, dies at 89
-
Dad who survived 9/11 dies after jumping into Lake Michigan to help child who fell off raft
-
Republican attorneys general issue warning letter to Target about Pride merchandise
-
The Real Story Behind Khloe Kardashian and Michele Morrone’s Fashion Show Date