Officials in Cincinnati were disappointed when the Republicans rejected their bid to host the 2016 convention -- but they're now grateful after Donald Trump and his supporters have signaled violence could be possible.
The southwest Ohio city reluctantly withdrew its bid two years ago to host the Republican National Convention after party officials found its facilities lacking, but elected leaders say they're somewhat relieved, reported WCPO-TV.
The RNC instead chose Cleveland to host the convention -- which could see a bitter floor fight if party bosses try to deny the nomination to Trump.
Trump and his allies have suggested riots are possible if he fails to win, and Cincinnati's mayor said he's already seen enough from the GOP frontrunner to alarm him.
“We’ve seen the violence at the Donald Trump rallies and I just think it’s probably best that it’s not coming here,” said Mayor John Cranley.
Some GOP officials have received death threats from apparent Trump supporters, and one of the real estate developer and reality TV star's allies threatened to publicize delegates' hotel room numbers in an apparent attempt at intimidation.
The possibility of violence is enough to give pause to cities once disappointed to be passed over for the weeklong event, which could inject $200 into the local economy.
“For Cincinnati and … all the cities that missed out on this convention, I think there is relief, because this isn’t what we thought we were bidding for,” said David Niven, a University of Cincinnati political science professor.