Donald Trump told a rally in Michigan that he “took a bullet for democracy” following an assassination attempt on his life last week. The rally, attended by thousands, marked Trump’s first appearance with his new running mate JD Vance and his first since surviving the attempt.
Speaking to a packed arena in Grand Rapids, Trump claimed Democrats have accused him of being “a threat to democracy” and declared his readiness to “take back the White House,” to which the crowd responded with huge applause.
An investigation into last weekend’s shooting, which left Trump with a wounded ear, is ongoing. The prominent white bandage he wore during the Republican National Convention had been replaced by a discreet flesh-toned plaster.
Despite not being scheduled to speak until 17:00 EST (21:00 GMT), a line stretched for about three miles outside the 12,000-person Van Andel Arena by 13:00. Many attendees, undeterred by the assassination attempt that killed one audience member and wounded two others, showed up in support of the Republican presidential nominee. Some attended specifically because of the shooting.
Unlike the previous rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Grand Rapids event was indoors, allowing security to better monitor attendees and mitigate external threats.
Trump thanked the “thousands and thousands” of supporters who came to see him nearly a week after the assassination attempt, attributing his survival to divine intervention. “I stand before you only by the grace of almighty God,” he said.
Wendy and Steve Upcott from Clarkston, Michigan, were among the thousands who traveled from across the state, reassured by the heightened security. Despite their daughter’s concerns for their safety, they felt compelled to attend. “The chances of it happening again just one week later are unlikely,” said Ms. Upcott.
Many attendees donned red Make America Great Again caps, American flag-themed clothing, and T-shirts with Trump’s mug shot. Laura Schultz, who attended with a friend, expressed determination despite safety concerns, saying, “You can’t let fear stop you.”
Several young adults said the assassination attempt motivated their attendance. Donald, a 24-year-old from Grand Rapids wearing a shirt depicting Trump after being shot, attended his first campaign event, describing it as potentially the most significant rally.
Some rally-goers expressed ongoing concern for Trump’s safety. “It should be a concern for most Americans that he is still not safe,” said Ms. Upcott. Others criticized the US Secret Service for last week’s incident, where shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to target Trump from a nearby roof despite being spotted by rallygoers. The 20-year-old gunman was killed by Secret Service agents, but his motive remains unknown.
Security was tight at the Michigan event, with metal detectors and military personnel ensuring a secure environment, said former Secret Service agent Jason Russell.
This rally was one of several stops in the key battleground state, with Trump locked in a close race against President Joe Biden. The event followed the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump accepted his party’s presidential nomination.
Biden, who recently tested positive for Covid-19, paused his campaign events amid growing calls from his party to withdraw from the race due to concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. Trump commented on the Democrats’ situation, saying they have a “couple problems” and remarked, “They don’t know who their candidate is, and neither do we.”
Dr. Ronny Jackson, Trump’s former White House physician, reported that Trump’s ear wound is healing properly without stitches. The campaign announced its next rally will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 24 at the Bojangles Coliseum.
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