Thousands of protesters gathered in Milwaukee on Monday to march against the GOP during the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC). The demonstration, organized by the “Coalition to March on the RNC,” brought together representatives from around 100 local and national organizations. The marchers voiced their opposition to the GOP agenda, focusing on issues such as racial justice, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and economic oppression.
The protest was significant, with estimates of the crowd size ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 people. Demonstrators traveled from various states to participate, although many were from Wisconsin. They gathered at Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee, where speakers addressed the crowd, expressing their discontent with both Republican and Democratic policies.
“I really oppose the agenda of the Republicans. I oppose the support of the Democrats of the bombing of Gaza as well. So I’m here to say that this is an important issue and can’t be silent on something this terrible that’s going on,” said a member of CODEPINK, an anti-war women’s organization.
Protesters condemned U.S. politicians on both sides of the aisle for sending weapons to Israel amid what they described as genocide in Gaza. The bombardment of al-Mawasi, a coastal area west of Khan Younis, was a particular focus, with many calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Demonstrators first met at Red Arrow Park, where participants spoke to Truthout about their views on Republicans convening in the Democratic-leaning city. Alissa, a member of the Minnesota branch of Wrongfully Incarcerated & Over-Sentenced Families Council, emphasized the intersectional nature of their protest. “We’re standing up [to support] a free Palestine, women’s rights, the LGBTQ community, and [oppose] wrongful incarcerations,” she said.
The marchers were skeptical that Republicans would address their concerns. “I didn’t expect Republicans to say anything good,” Alissa added. “So we’re here to fight for our rights—no one but us is going to do it.”
Chrisly, a member of Students for a Democratic Society from Tampa, Florida, spoke out against the Republican agenda. “We want to say ‘no’ to their attack on reproductive rights, we want to stand with Palestine, and we want peace and justice and equality for all,” she said.
For hours before the march, speakers encouraged participants to oppose the far right. Kobi Guillory, a middle school teacher from Chicago and member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, highlighted the long history of Republican policies harming marginalized communities. “For decades, Republicans have been on a mission to deprive a majority of people in this country of their basic human rights. Their attacks on Black and Brown people, on women, on immigrants, on the LGBTQ community, and the working class have destroyed the lives and the livelihoods of millions of people. Defeating the Republican agenda is a matter of life and death for working and oppressed people,” he said.
Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, spoke out against political violence. She condemned the recent assassination attempt against Trump but also noted the role of his rhetoric in increasing violence. “We grieve for those who died and were harmed on Saturday,” Neumann-Ortiz said. “At the same time, it’s undeniable that Trump’s rhetoric, policies, and actions have contributed to a climate of increased violence and legitimized hate crimes by white nationalists.”
The march began shortly after 12 pm Central Time, following months of negotiation with the city and a threatened lawsuit by activist groups represented by the ACLU of Wisconsin. An agreement was reached to allow protesters to demonstrate through the eastern part of the “soft” security zone for the RNC, an area with security checks but no need for credentials.
Despite this agreement, the city failed to provide an obstruction-free route, leaving barricades that protesters had to climb over, complicating movement, especially for those with disabilities. There was a heavy police presence throughout the protest, both on land and in the Milwaukee River.
Several onlookers, potentially convention participants, noticed the march as it moved down Plankinton Ave. However, protesters were not allowed near Fiserv Forum, where the convention was taking place. Chants like “The people united will never be defeated,” “Show me what democracy looks like,” and “No more nickels, no more dimes, no more bombing Palestine” echoed through the streets.
A Palestinian American protester explained his motivation for attending. “We are here for justice in Palestine against genocide, ethnic cleansing, 75 years of occupation,” he said. Asked if he believed the GOP heard their message, he replied, “I hope so, loud and clear.”
On Tuesday, the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024 released a press statement, saying, “While our Coalition is closing, our work is not stopping. Our endorsing organizations will continue their work to stand with Palestine, defend and expand immigrants’ rights, defend women’s, LGBTQ, and reproductive rights, and demand peace, justice, and equity for all.”
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