DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The Dallas Police Department has security plans in place for this week’s National Rifle Association convention in downtown Dallas.
The N.R.A. has received backlash since the February school shooting in Florida that left 17 people dead and Police are expecting protesters. 80,000 people plan to attend the convention alone, not including protesters or counter protesters. The President and Vice President are both scheduled to speak at the convention Friday. The Dallas Police Department said Wednesday that it’s prepared for a busy few days and will have help from other agencies.
“We have assistance from Irving, Richardson, Mesquite, Garland, and Grand Prairie,” said Assistant Dallas Police Chief Paul Stokes.
Stokes said the department is aware of plans from protesters and counter-protesters to occupy areas outside of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center through the weekend and that it won’t infringe on anyone’s rights unless the law is broken.
“They will not be able to take the street,” said Assistant Chief Stokes. “We will not tolerate property destruction and we will not tolerate violent behavior.”
Stokes said Police are aware many people will be armed and are okay with that as long as its in accordance with the law.
During the President and Vice President’s speeches guns will be prohibited inside the forum. Some have called that decision hypocritical of the NRA, but it’s a rule of the secret service. The convention begins Thursday with registration and a banquet. It runs through Sunday.
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