Indiana delegate from Lafayette says security at Republican convention is strong

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Chad Chism knew for the past several months that he would be attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week, but he hadn't considered any safety issues until his drive toward Wisconsin on Sunday morning.

Chism, an alternate delegate for Indiana's Congressional District 4, said that during his drive from Indiana to Wisconsin, his GPS alerted him of changes to his route in Milwaukee about five times. But to Chism's surprise, the changes in his route weren't because of shrinking perimeters, but rather expansions to the RNC areas.

After the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally Saturday in Pennsylvania, Chism said law enforcement from across the United States has shown an increased presence alongside Secret Service to garner a stronger security presence over a broader area.

"Safety was at the forefront of my mind while traveling Sunday, but I only assumed it would tighten around the convention center," Chism said. "All of the law enforcement here have been very nice and helpful while navigating this event, too."

Although Chism has been heavily involved in local real estate as both an agent and president of the Lafayette Regional Association of Realtors, Chism said 2024 is a year of several firsts for him, with it being the first time he's ever entered local politics as a delegate and the first time he has ever attended a national political convention.

"This election is a historic time for our country," Chism said. "I believe in common sense and conservative values, and I wanted to do what I could to be a part of that presidential vote."

A father of two young daughters, Chism said he did have some concerns for security before taking off for the RNC in Milwaukee. But after arriving to find the area of the event being heavily monitored, he feels secure and protected.

"We are all on guard here, and I believe there is now certainly more unity that is needed, less vitriol and more talk of coming together as a country," Chism said. "And following this weekend's events, I believe we will."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Indiana delegate from Lafayette says security at Republican convention is strong