Full Breakdown
Security Preparations for the First-Ever RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas
9/6/2026, 10:20:57 PM
Core Event
The Republican National Committee’s inaugural “midterm” convention will be held at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in downtown Dallas on September 9-10. About 20,000 visitors—including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and congressional leaders—are expected. Federal, state and local agencies are deploying fencing, checkpoints, vehicle and pedestrian screening, and a no-fly zone for manned aircraft and drones.
Timeline
- July 7 – Domain gopdallas2026.com registered (owner private).
- September 7 – Road closures and street-level fencing begin around the AAC and Victory Park; closures remain through September 11.
- September 9-10 – Convention; security checkpoints operate on Payne Street (east side) and two locations on Victory Place (north and south of the AAC).
- September 11 – Street closures are lifted.
Data & Statistics
- Attendance: ? 20,000 people.
- Security cost: $1.8 million; the RNC has offered to help cover the expense, and Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert says residents will not bear the cost.
- Prohibited items: weapons, ammunition, knives, aerosols, drones, explosives, pepper spray, bicycles, coolers, laser pointers, selfie sticks, signs, banners, and other items deemed security risks.
- Bag limits: purses or bags may not exceed 5 × 7 × 1 in.; clear bags are allowed up to 12 × 6 × 12 in., with logos limited to 3.4 × 4.5 in.
Official Statements & Responses
Christina Foley, special agent in charge of the U.S. Dallas Police, and Assistant Chief Devon Polk urged the public to respect restricted zones, stating, “There will be areas with restricted access for security reasons; please do not attempt to cross barricades, fencing, or any law-enforcement checkpoint.”
The Secret Service clarified that access to homes and businesses inside the cordoned area will generally be maintained, but vehicles and pedestrians will be screened. Residents, employees and service-provider drivers should carry identification and any documentation that verifies their need to enter the perimeter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Anytime we do an assessment of an overall event or a particular site or a venue, such as the American Airlines Center, we build that assessment based on the information that we do and find during our advance,” — Christina Foley
- “There will be areas with restricted access for security reasons; please do not attempt to cross barricades, fencing, or any law enforcement checkpoint,” — Dallas Police Assistant Chief
Security Concerns: Fake Convention Website
A counterfeit site, gopdallas2026.com, was discovered redirecting visitors to the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Epstein Library.” The site’s disclaimer claimed it was an “independent informational resource” not affiliated with the RNC or the convention. The redirect’s origin remains unclear, highlighting additional digital-security challenges.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The security perimeter will affect daily commutes, deliveries and rideshare services. Checkpoints on Payne Street and Victory Place may cause delays, and the DART Victory Park station will be closed for the convention’s duration. Business owners near the AAC report concerns about customer access, while some residents have received limited information about how the restrictions will affect their routines.
Overall, the coordinated effort by the Secret Service, Dallas Police, FBI and Capitol Police aims to balance the safety of high-profile attendees with the mobility of the city’s residents and workers during the historic convention.
