That's the word from Department of Homeland Security [DHS] Undersecretary for Border & Transportation Security Asa Hutchinson, who declared on Wednesday that Democrat and Republican convention-goers should know they "absolutely" will be protected.

Hutchinson told NewsMax.com that those planning to attend the nomination gatherings in Boston and New York should be aware that "the security at our national conventions this year will be at a higher level than ever before."

That includes "a greater law enforcement presence" as well as "more security that you will not see there," Hutchinson said. "It will be one of the most secure events that we’ve ever had in our history."

What about reports that fringe elements hope to instigate major disruptions at the GOP gathering in New York, such as a plan to distract bomb-sniffing dogs on trains that stop underneath the convention center?

According to the New York Daily News, anarchists are telling trouble-makers to "decoy specially trained Labrador retrievers with gunpowder or ammonium nitrate-laced tablets in a bid to halt trains and even spur the evacuation of Madison Square Garden."

The protesters plan to force police to use up their resources with "false alarms" and hope to be able to wear out police dogs with a flurry of bogus alerts.

Other tricks reportedly planned include throwing marbles under the hooves of police horses and using slingshots to pelt the animals.

The reports prompted NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly to wonder aloud: "Where is the legitimate protest in trying to endanger the public?"

But Hutchinson said he knows what violent demonstrators are up to and is preparing for every contingency.

"Absolutely," he told NewsMax. "As any preparations for the conventions go on, you’ve got to be prepared for those protesters that might cross the line into violent behavior."

"Both New York and Boston have extraordinary experience in handling crowds and protesters," he added, before issuing a thinly veiled warning:

"Obviously we recognize the right of free speech, but when they cross the line, they will be met with an appropriate law enforcement response."

Editor's note: