Members of the Hinebaugh family of Wheeling pose beneath the West Virginia flag while taking part in events this week at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From left are Brock, Paige, Beth and Ed Hinebaugh. (Photo Provided)
WHEELING – One local family taking part in this week’s activities at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin anticipated an electric atmosphere, but they didn’t bargain for the level of intensity that has swept the event in the wake of last Saturday’s assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, who on Monday officially became the GOP nominee.
Beth Hinebaugh of Wheeling has been at the convention for the past couple of days with her husband, Ed, and two of their children – Brock, 19, and Paige, 17. They are not representing West Virginia in any official capacity, but instead are guests of New Hampshire GOP Chairman Chris Ager, whose wife is a cousin of Ed Hinebaugh. It is their first time visiting the RNC, and it already has been an unforgettable experience.
Republican delegates and their guests from across the nation have descended on Milwaukee since this weekend, when the excitement took on a new perspective following the assassination attempt on Trump’s life at a rally Saturday night in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The Hinebaughs had already left Wheeling and were en route to Wisconsin when news of the shooting broke. They arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday, and not long afterward, Trump also arrived in town – landing there via jet, and while exiting the aircraft, was seen in public for the first time since a bullet from the would-be assassin grazed his ear.
That changed the atmosphere and tone at the RNC in Milwaukee.
“Security really stepped up, even since we’ve been here,” Beth Hinebaugh said. “And people seemed to be even more fired up.”
Hinebaugh said that speaking with others who arrived for the convention earlier in the weekend, the level of security intensified significantly in the wake of Saturday’s shooting in Pennsylvania, which injured Trump and two others, and claimed the life of one spectator, along with the gunman who was shot and killed by Secret Service agents.
“I would say they probably tripled security,” Hinebaugh said. “They shut down more streets and widened the security perimeter.”
Hinebaugh said RNC-related events they’ve attended have had very strict security measures at venues around town that host them. Heightened security could be observed all over the city with snipers on rooftops and even security teams in boats on the waterways.
“We do feel very safe,” she said, noting that delegates and guests are looking forward to the various events at the RNC, but are all also reflecting on what most consider to be a shocking and almost surreal event this past weekend.
“Obviously, we’re praying for the family that lost a father and a husband,” Hinebaugh said. “On the other hand, we thank God that Trump is safe.”
Locally, Hinebaugh had stepped into the political arena earlier this year when she was one of six candidates running in the race to be Wheeling’s mayor, a contest that ultimately was won by now Mayor Denny Magruder. Hinebaugh indicated that she and members of her family had long been interested in politics and have been supporters of the Republican Party. Had they not planned to attend the RNC this week, they may have likely considered attending the rally where the shooting occurred Saturday in Butler, which is just north of Pittsburgh.
“I was never super hyped about the party in the past,” she said, explaining – however – that the energy leading up to this week has been very high, and the failed assassination attempt has only seemed to bring the GOP together in an even stronger way. “The atmosphere is off the charts. Everyone is so excited. There’s just a sense of camaraderie among fellow Republicans.”
The Hinebaughs got to attend kickoff events earlier this week, complete with a concert from Trace Adkins.
“The RNC welcome party was amazing,” Hinebaugh said, noting that several events, gatherings and activities were on tap for them this week. A number of events at different venues feature speaking engagements by notable figures representing the next generation of GOP hopefuls, including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom they hoped to see. “There are so many great opportunities to see and hear from interesting and up-and-coming people in the party.
“If people don’t step up and try to make a difference, nothing’s going to change.”
Hinebaugh added that it was an especially unique opportunity for the whole family to get a first-hand look at the American political process, especially since her son, Brock, will be eligible to vote in a presidential election for the first time this fall.
“This is a chance to be there and be part of history,” Hinebaugh said, noting that they will be there in the audience when Trump is expected to accept the nomination Thursday night.
The Hinebaughs plan to be at the RNC and to attend the various events all week. They will be in attendance to view the main events from the stands each night. As a guest of the head of the New Hampshire GOP, Hinebaugh said she will have the opportunity to experience the event one night on the floor of the venue.
This past weekend’s assassination attempt has appeared to further unify the Republican Party behind Trump and further fueled the drive to win the White House in November, but it also seemed to have sparked a call to unify the nation, as well. Reports indicate that Trump is changing his Thursday night speech to reflect more of a message of unity.
According to Hinebaugh, unity is what many people on both sides of the political aisle want, although a lot of people remain in their own political silos on either side of the lingering cultural divide.
“Social media is not helping,” she said. “People need to level up. We’ve all seen the crude and ignorant comments on Facebook since the shooting. That’s not OK. People need to put their differences aside and get along. We’ve got to find that middle ground. Political positions can be different, but the division has got to stop. There’s got to be a renewed focus on unifying the country.”