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MILWAUKEE ON EDGE
Eerie footage of locked-down streets as RNC ramps up security with cars searched and sniffer dogs prowling entry
The U.S. Sun is on the ground at the RNC to give readers the latest news and updates
SHAKEN but defiant, delegates and supporters of Donald Trump have arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the start of the Republican National Convention.
Behind miles of barricades, steel fencing, and battalions of armed cops and checkpoints, the Republican Party is getting on with business as usual in the wake of Saturday's shocking shooting at a Trump rally.
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Before the opening of the conference, there was a moment of silence for the victims of the terrible events in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
A rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was met by a rallying chant of "USA, USA, USA," as supporters of Donald Trump awaited their hero's message and announcement of his vice president pick.
This was followed by the playing of Lee Greenwood's 1984 hit God Bless The USA, which has become an unofficial anthem for Trump supporters.
As the lyrics referenced the various parts of America, "from the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee," delegates from those particular states whooped.
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A chant of, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" then went up from the crowd, a reference to Trump's declaration at his rally as he raised his fist following the shooting on Saturday evening that saw the former president hit in the ear.
All 50 states have sent their delegates to the cavernous Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee, where Donald Trump is expected to formally announce Senator JD Vance, of Ohio, as his running mate.
Trump announced Vance as his running mate on his social media platform Truth Social but is expected to double down on the pick during a speech at the RNC.
Attendees wore a staggering array of Maga merchandise from hats to T-shirts, and the merchandise was available for sale inside the convention center as well.
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Armed police officers patrolled the city as Trump and other high-ranking Republicans arrived at the convention.
State troopers from New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin arrived in Milwaukee to enhance security presence at the RNC.
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"The vibe is very positive. The party is totally united behind President Trump. We're looking for a landslide victory in November.
"What happened at the weekend was a tragic moment... people have to wake up and realize what is actually happening in this country," Trump supporter Ronald Solomon, 65, told the U.S. Sun.
Solomon added that the Democrats "purposefully divided the American people, they have covered up the fact that their leader is totally senile, and also is a criminal."
One visitor from Texas said that while it was important for her to attend the convention she "was a little concerned about coming, obviously, getting ready to come, but after all the security that we've walked through to get standing here, it feels better."
Security is tight inside the convention, with security officers conducting thorough bag checks around the perimeter.
Donald Trump's Full Statement Post-Rally Shooting
Former president Donald Trump provided an update on Truth Social after the shooting that took place at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.
"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.
"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.
"Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Attendees have also shared with The U.S. Sun that their Ubers were searched before entering the convention.
Police dogs are checking under attendees' cars, making sure that no stone is left unturned ahead of the historic night.
VANCE'S BIG DAY
Vance was spotted leaving his home in Ohio earlier this morning to attend the convention.
Vance was on the short-list for Trump's VP picks, which also includes Senators Marco Rubio, Doug Burgum, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.
He was pictured leaving his home in a motorcade alongside his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, around 10 am Eastern.
A source told Fox News that Burgum and Rubio did not receive a call to be Trump's running mate.
Other attendees expected to grace the RNC are former presidential candidate Nikki Haley, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
SECURITY CONCERNS
Security concerns for the former president's safety come after an assassination attempt occurred at HIS campaign rally on Saturday.
Trump addressed supporters at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, an hour north of Pittsburgh, when a shooter later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired gunshots.
A bullet grazed Trump's ear and he fell to the ground behind the podium for cover.
Secret Service then rushed on stage to shield Trump from oncoming bullets, later escorting him off the stage and to safety.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service told CNN that the agency did not sweep the building that Crooks was perched on when he fired the shots.
The agency added that the building was supposed to be monitored by local law enforcement, and it's unclear how the gunman gained rooftop access during the rally.
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The FBI is now leading the investigation into the attempted assassination and the Secret Service is cooperating.
The assassination attempt has increased concerns for Trump's safety tonight.