Sunday Snapshot: "Comfortable" RNC security
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A view of the convention floor and stage ahead of the 2024 Republican Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 14, 2024. The convention will take place from July 15th to the 18th. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
As lawmakers grapple with the fallout and shock of the attempted assassination of former President Trump, many eyes are turning toward the Republican National Convention and how the show must go on.
Meanwhile, another attempt on a former president's life from over 100 years ago is back in the spotlight and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) reminds us all that President Biden isn't off the hook just yet.
Here's what you missed when newsmakers hit the airwaves this Sunday, July 14.
1. RNC chair "comfortable" with convention security
Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley said security is prepared for the crowd of 50,000-plus expected to attend the RNC over four days of programming.
Why it matters: Saturday's shooting deepened already present concerns about the event's safety.
- Guns will be allowed in the outer perimeter surrounding the gathering's space, within walking distance of where delegates, the former president, the soon-to-be-announced VP pick and other lawmakers will convene.
What they're saying: "The arena's set," Whatley said on "Fox News Sunday." "The security is here, and we feel very comfortable that we're working with the Secret Service, we're working with 40 different law enforcement agencies in terms of what that security is going to look like."
- "I think we need to be grateful that President Trump is alive and is going to be here," he said. "Certainly, we look forward to him being here in Milwaukee, and I think it's going to be tremendously important for him to be here and deliver that message to America."
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman echoed Whatley's sentiment in an appearance on Fox later Sunday morning, saying, "The show must go on."
The intrigue: Trump is still "fully expected" to announce his vice presidential pick on Wednesday.
2. Threats not limited to one assassination attempt: Turner
The threat level in the U.S. is at its highest point in decades, House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday.
Why it matters: The attempted assassination of Trump raised concerns of a potential security failure and underscored fears of political violence against lawmakers.
What they're saying: Turner said he agrees with FBI director Christopher Wray's assessment that the U.S. is facing its highest threat level since 9/11.
- "I believe the threat is continuing" and not limited to a single assassination attempt, Turner told the program.
- "I think we have to be very, very cautious and certainly the Secret Service has to significantly increase its attempt to secure the areas" where both Trump and President Biden go, he added.
3. A Roosevelt history lesson
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called Trump a "modern-day Teddy Roosevelt" in an interview with "Meet The Press" moderator Kristen Welker.
Driving the news: Graham was speaking of Trump getting back on his feet moments after being shot in the ear, saying the former president is "the toughest guy I've ever met."
- "It's just an amazing thing to be his friend and in his orbit," Graham said.
Between the lines: Graham isn't the only person to make a comparison between Trump and Roosevelt, especially in light of the now-iconic image of Trump holding up a defiant fist with a bloodied face and reportedly urging the crowd to "fight, fight, fight" as he was pulled off the stage by Secret Service.
Context: Roosevelt was a two-term president seeking a third chance at the White House when he was shot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in October 1912.
- Roosevelt was on his way to give a speech at the Milwaukee Auditorium when he was approached by John Schrank and shot twice.
- Famously, Roosevelt went ahead with his speech, pulling out a 50-page manuscript that contained two bullet holes, telling the audience that it likely saved his life.
- Roosevelt had a bullet lodged in his abdomen as he gave his speech. Doctors speculated later, once x-rays were taken, that the bullet was slowed from reaching his heart by the speech, a thick overcoat and an eyeglass case made from reinforced steel.
(Not so) Fun fact: Roosevelt was shot outside the Gilpatrick Hotel. It's now a Hyatt Regency, and two blocks away from Fiserv Forum — the site of the 2024 Republican National Convention.
4. Biden not off the hook with Dems
Don't look now, but at least one Democrat hasn't forgotten that questions persist about President Biden's future at the top of the ticket.
Driving the news: While most of the world has understandably been distracted by the assassination attempt on Trump, CBS News' Margaret Brennan asked Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) about Biden's future following a "heated" phone call yesterday.
What they're saying: Crow didn't outright say in his "Face the Nation" interview that the call between Biden and Congressional Democrats was intense, but that "there's a lot at stake. Emotions can run high on every side."
- Crow said that Biden "heard our message very clearly" and "promised to come back to us with more information to address our concerns and to answer our questions."
- Crow said that once Biden has had time to do that "then we will decide the best path to go forward."
Yes, but: When pressed by Brennan on what that means for Biden's future, Crow said it is "ultimately the president's decision."
- "I do believe right now, unless there's a major change, that there is a high risk that we lose this election," he said. "In reading the tea leaves, it's very troubling for many of us right now."
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