December 19, 2024

Armed man in ski mask arrested while approaching Republican National Convention perimeter in Milwaukee

A man armed with an AK-47 pistol and wearing a ski mask was arrested on Monday just blocks from Fiserv Forum where the Republican National Convention is being held in Milwaukee, a federal law enforcement source confirmed to Fox News.

Homeland Security Investigators and Capitol Police were conducting surveillance near the RNC perimeter when they noticed a suspicious man approaching. He was wearing a ski mask and carrying a tactical bag, Fox News’ source confirmed. 

Inside the bag, police found the gun and a full magazine. His intentions were unclear.

Milwaukee Police confirmed the incident to Fox News, saying a 21-year-old man was arrested around 1 p.m. on Monday on the 1200 block of N. 11th Street. 

Large gate in downtown Milwaukee ahead of RNC

FILE- Gates, barricades and other security measures can be seen across downtown Milwaukee ahead of the RNC. (Fox News)

Police said the man does not have a concealed weapon license in Wisconsin or any other state.

Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, police said.

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Fox News reached out to the Secret Service about the incident and was referred to Milwaukee Police. Fox News also reached out to Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security, but has not yet heard back.

This is not the only disturbing security concern to take place at the RNC. On Tuesday, a man was shot and killed by police about 2 miles from Fiserv Forum. A witness told Fox News the man lived in a nearby homeless camp and was brandishing a knife when he was shot.

Also on Tuesday, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Minn., said he was assaulted by a protester. He said a member of CODEPINK assaulted him while he was waiting in line to enter the venue. He called it an “incident of political violence.”

CODEPINK said the woman “was intentionally bumped into by this bald, white member of Congress while he tried to shove past her.” The activist group denied Orden was assaulted.

This all comes as Tuesday’s theme of the RNC is “Make America Safe Once Again” and former President Donald Trump has called to address crime in Milwaukee.