Allowing guns into the Republican National Convention security zone is worrying | Opinion

What do these things have in common?

• Fireworks.

• A shovel.

• A slingshot.

• A rocket.

• Explosives.

• Umbrellas with metal tips.

They are items visitors are prohibited from carrying into the security footprint of the Republican National Convention next month in Milwaukee. An ordinance approved by the Milwaukee Common Council takes into account the potential danger of a range of items, such as axes, pellet guns and even hard materials larger than 0.75 inches thick.

That all makes sense, right? You know what is allowed?

Guns.

You read that right.

Firearms such as a Glock, Colt Python and Ruger Blackhawk, all capable of inflicting deadly harm, can be brought into the security area outside the Fiserv Forum and other buildings where the convention is being held. This inconsistency is a cause for concern, particularly in an environment where emotions can run high.

It's essential to strike a balance between personal freedoms and public safety. While I understand the desire of gun advocates to bring their firearms into security areas, it's crucial to ensure the safety of all attendees. The current state statute allows for this, but perhaps it's time to reevaluate and adjust this law to reflect the needs of our changing society.

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Isn’t it funny how this topic flies under the radar while lawmakers bicker about where protesters can stand when the RNC folks arrive in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee Ald. Scott Spiker said the fact that guns can be allowed in the soft security area “looks ridiculous.” Still, little can be done because the state law says, “You shall not, as a municipality, enact restrictions on firearms and ammunition that are more restrictive than the state has.”

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Common Council President José G. Pérez said, “our city attorney advised us, and we expect the Police Department and all the other entities working and organizing the RNC to make sure it's safe for everyone. But it is a concern.”

More than two dozen items cannot be brought into the secure area downtown. Water Street borders this area to the east, North Ninth Street to the west, and Cherry Street to the north and West. Clybourn Street to the south.

The "security footprint" refers to the area surrounding a section of downtown that will be under the control of the U.S. Secret Service, permitting access solely to individuals holding valid credentials.

My grandfather had wise advice about carrying a gun

It’s important to note that not all guns will be allowed into the area. Machine guns, fully automatic weapons, short-barreled shotguns, and silencers, all of which are prohibited under state law, are banned according to the City Attorney's Office.

That may offer some comfort to some, but the fact that pistols will be allowed in the area is enough to give some people pause. As a responsible gun owner, I have always adhered to the principle of not carrying my firearm unless necessary. My grandfather’s advice to carry only when I intend to use it has stuck with me.

Part of the problem we see or read about daily is that there are too many people with guns who should not have them in the first place, either legally or illegally.

During the RNC from July 15-18, the Milwaukee police will already have a lot to handle in terms of maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of our city.

To everyone planning to attend, I strongly advise leaving your guns at home stored securely.

Reach James E. Causey at [email protected]; follow him on X @jecausey.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee GOP convention worryingly doesn’t ban guns in secure zone