Law enforcement preps for Cruz campaign stop, state convention

With the prospects of a contested GOP National Convention, the Colorado Republican Convention at the Broadmoor World Arena takes on new meaning.

“We’re going to be the epicenter of the political universe on April 9,” Daniel Cole, the executive director of the El Paso County GOP said.

Trailing Donald Trump in the race to 1,237, Sen. Ted Cruz will make a big play for the state’s 34 precious delegates.

Law enforcement is prepping for this presidential visit and potential problems.

“Obviously part of our planning is to come up with contingencies in case anything happens during the event, we plan for all types of scenarios,” Lt. Catherine Buckely with the Colorado Springs Police Department said.

CSPD is the lead agency because the World Arena is within city limits. Springs police will have help from personnel at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

The increased police presence is in hopes of preventing scenes like these that erupted at Trump rallies earlier this month.

“When we’re faced with those types of situations where we have VIPs coming, it’s always a concern and it’s always in our thought process and decision making when we’re deciding what resources to deploy.”

Cole expects at least 8,000 Republicans to pack the convention.

Kyle Kohli, a spokesman for the Colorado GOP said the state party is in contact with Secret Service.

Donald Trump and John Kasich have yet to confirm whether they’ll make a campaign stop in our state next month.