A cut-out of Donald Trump seems to welcome Republicans to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. CNN sent photographer <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petervanagtmael.net%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Peter van Agtmael</a> into the crowds of downtown Cleveland to get a handle on what it's like away from the politicians and delegates.
A cut-out of Donald Trump seems to welcome Republicans to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. CNN sent photographer Peter van Agtmael into the crowds of downtown Cleveland to get a handle on what it's like away from the politicians and delegates.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos/Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos
People heckle protesters from Westboro Baptist Church, the controversial congregation known for its anti-gay views.
People heckle protesters from Westboro Baptist Church, the controversial congregation known for its anti-gay views.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A scene on East 4th Street, outside the convention. The man at right is wearing a T-shirt in memory of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old boy killed by police gunfire in November 2014.
A scene on East 4th Street, outside the convention. The man at right is wearing a T-shirt in memory of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old boy killed by police gunfire in November 2014.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A protester wears a Hillary Clinton mask outside the convention.
A protester wears a Hillary Clinton mask outside the convention.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos/Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos
"Open carry" gun laws allow Ohio's licensed firearm owners to wear their weapons in public. With the exception of a small "secure zone" inside and around the arena, people are legally permitted to walk around the city with any firearm not explicitly banned by the state.
"Open carry" gun laws allow Ohio's licensed firearm owners to wear their weapons in public. With the exception of a small "secure zone" inside and around the arena, people are legally permitted to walk around the city with any firearm not explicitly banned by the state.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Members of a church group pray with a wheelchair-bound man and try to convince him that he will stand if he keeps praying with them.
Members of a church group pray with a wheelchair-bound man and try to convince him that he will stand if he keeps praying with them.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Two men hold firearms in Cleveland's Public Square. "I've seen open carry before but not quite in these numbers," van Agtmael said.
Two men hold firearms in Cleveland's Public Square. "I've seen open carry before but not quite in these numbers," van Agtmael said.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A lizard on a leash in Public Square.
A lizard on a leash in Public Square.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
People have a conversation about race in Public Square.
People have a conversation about race in Public Square.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A woman climbs onto a plant stand outside the entrance to Quicken Loans Arena, the scene of the convention. The arena is home to LeBron James and the NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
A woman climbs onto a plant stand outside the entrance to Quicken Loans Arena, the scene of the convention. The arena is home to LeBron James and the NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A "hug patrol" embraces passers-by, including police officers.
A "hug patrol" embraces passers-by, including police officers.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos/Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos
Public Square is one of the few public spaces open to licensed demonstrations. The convention is "not something you come to and look for subtle validation of the democratic process," van Agtmael said.
Public Square is one of the few public spaces open to licensed demonstrations. The convention is "not something you come to and look for subtle validation of the democratic process," van Agtmael said.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
"I would say, generally speaking, it's been more calm than I expected," van Agtmael said. "The police have been very mindful of funneling the different groups away from one another and mindful of any potential tension and nipping it in the bud before it spills over. They've struck a pretty fine balance."
"I would say, generally speaking, it's been more calm than I expected," van Agtmael said. "The police have been very mindful of funneling the different groups away from one another and mindful of any potential tension and nipping it in the bud before it spills over. They've struck a pretty fine balance."
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Young men sell Donald Trump merchandise and apparel on East 4th Street.
Young men sell Donald Trump merchandise and apparel on East 4th Street.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A woman breaks for lunch at a bar near the convention.
A woman breaks for lunch at a bar near the convention.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A man takes a photo outside the protective perimeter of the convention.
A man takes a photo outside the protective perimeter of the convention.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos/Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos
Federal, state and local law enforcement have taken over the city's downtown as iron and concrete barriers throttle typically bustling thoroughfares and choke off pedestrian outlets in the "event zone" surrounding the arena.
Federal, state and local law enforcement have taken over the city's downtown as iron and concrete barriers throttle typically bustling thoroughfares and choke off pedestrian outlets in the "event zone" surrounding the arena.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Two officers sustained minor injuries, and several people were arrested, after a protester attempted to light an American flag on fire Wednesday outside the security barrier surrounding the convention.
Two officers sustained minor injuries, and several people were arrested, after a protester attempted to light an American flag on fire Wednesday outside the security barrier surrounding the convention.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Police move in on foot and then horseback to secure an intersection.
Police move in on foot and then horseback to secure an intersection.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
People watch the arrests from their window.
People watch the arrests from their window.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Two people take in the convention scene from a window in a bar.
Two people take in the convention scene from a window in a bar.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos/Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos
Vendors line the street near the convention, selling everything from paintings to Trump apparel to Cavaliers memorabilia.
Vendors line the street near the convention, selling everything from paintings to Trump apparel to Cavaliers memorabilia.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A convention-goer sits inside a restaurant during lunchtime.
A convention-goer sits inside a restaurant during lunchtime.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Police patrol Euclid Avenue before the convention started on Wednesday.
Police patrol Euclid Avenue before the convention started on Wednesday.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A calm conversation takes place in Public Square with a man wearing a gun.
A calm conversation takes place in Public Square with a man wearing a gun.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
Amnesty International USA said in a statement that their "delegation noted a heavy police presence that sometimes outnumbered protesters."
Amnesty International USA said in a statement that their "delegation noted a heavy police presence that sometimes outnumbered protesters."
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN
A party-goer enjoys an event hosted by BuzzFeed called Red, White and Blacklisted. It was for the media outlets blacklisted by the Trump campaign.
A party-goer enjoys an event hosted by BuzzFeed called Red, White and Blacklisted. It was for the media outlets blacklisted by the Trump campaign.
Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos for CNN