In a recent development, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has reportedly sent a three-page letter to the Secret Service, expressing concerns over the proximity of protesters to the Milwaukee convention venue in July. The letter, revealed by The New York Times, objected to the current plan that designates a specific area for protesters to demonstrate.

Authored by Todd R. Steggerda, counsel to the RNC, the letter highlighted the potential risks of "forced proximity" between attendees and protesters with "differing ideologies," citing the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Steggerda expressed concern that this close proximity could escalate into verbal or physical altercations.

According to the letter, the Secret Service's proposed security plan places protesters at Pere Marquette Park, a small public park located a quarter of a mile away from the convention center. Steggerda argued that "packing demonstrators into a park essentially boxed in by the two streets that thousands of attendees will be using to enter the convention site will only serve to heighten - rather than prevent and diffuse - any tension."

While The Hill has reached out to the RNC for a copy of the letter, the Times reported that Steggerda had addressed it to Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle via hand delivery. The RNC did not offer an alternative location for protesters to gather but suggested that the Secret Service should expand its security perimeter to distance protesters further from the arena.

The Hill has also reached out to the Secret Service for comment on the matter. The Times, however, reported that Alexi Worley, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, stated that the agency is not formally in possession of the letter but would respond through appropriate channels once received.

As the Milwaukee convention approaches, it remains to be seen how the Secret Service will respond to the RNC's request for increased distance between protesters and attendees. Both parties will need to work towards finding a balance between allowing protesters to exercise their right to free speech and ensuring the safety and security of those attending the event.