RNC protesters can request permits starting Monday

Xcel Energy Center
The Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is the site of the Republican Party's 2008 national convention.
MPR file photo

The tens of thousands of demonstrators expected to show up for the Republican National Convention in downtown St. Paul will have to wait their turn to deliver their message.

Police will designate a protest area near the Xcel Energy Center, where the four day convention takes place in September.

There will be only one parade route for marches and rallies.

Assistant Police Chief Matt Bostrom said preference will be given to groups who have applied for permits.

"To the extent possible, we're gonna honor the permits, and if you have a permitted march, and you want to leave at 11 o' clock, you're gonna move," said Bostrom. "If you don 't have a permit, you're gonna have to wait until they're done. If there's a gap in the parade right now, and you have 50 people, feel free to go. That's how I see this playing out."

The police will map out the protest area and parade route by May 31.

Some activists are afraid that won't give them enough time to plan for an event this large.

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