Riot Gear is Ordered for RNC

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ Riot gear has been ordered for federal agents for the Republican and Democratic conventions and other events.

According to a bid request dated July 11, the Department of Homeland Security will buy 150 sets of replacement crowd control gear for Federal Protective Service personnel, including helmets, shin guards and tactical gloves.

A DHS spokeswoman says the agency routinely buys and replaces the gear as needed.

The spokeswoman added that it is “used in any number of situations around the country.”

The bid paperwork says the gear will be used by federal agents assigned to protect U.S. government buildings during the conventions, and for the 2013 presidential inauguration.