Milwaukee won't issue protest permits for the 2020 DNC until the event's security perimeter is determined

The City of Milwaukee is planning for some very orderly protests at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

It's just going to take a while before special event permits are issued, according to a statement issued Friday by the City Attorney's Office.

A key issue that still has to be decided is the security zone that will be erected around the convention's main venue, Fiserv Forum.

That zone isn't expected to be released publicly for several months. The city also said it still has to set its permitting plans for the convention, July 13-16.

Cities that host national conventions set aside an area for protest, a formula Milwaukee's organizers are expected to follow.

"Planning by the Milwaukee Police Department is ongoing with the U.S. Secret Service and other federal partners to ensure the safety of delegates, visitors and residents in the area surrounding the convention," said a statement from Adam B. Stephens, Deputy City Attorney.

"Once those security plans have been completed, the city will begin the process to ensure equal opportunity for all voices to be heard and to protect everyone’s First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly," he said.

Stephens said: "No special event permits will be issued by the city for proposed activities in the public way that are scheduled during the convention week in the downtown area until after the security perimeter is established by the U.S. Secret Service and permitting plans are established by the city."

Later Friday, a liberal group called Coalition to March on the DNC, held a meeting in the City Hall rotunda followed by a march and rally.

In a statement, the group said "it filed a request for a special event permit with the City of Milwaukee to peacefully assemble" on the first day of the convention.

"After months of waiting, the coalition has yet to hear back from city officials," the statement said.

Ryan Hamann, a spokesman for the group, said he took city officials "at their word," that they'll "have a better idea on things" after the security perimeter is released.

Asked if the group will gain the permit, Hamann said: "I don't expect that they'll honor our request."