Donald Trump, speaking at a rally in Michigan, declared he “took a bullet for democracy” in reference to the assassination attempt on his life last week. The rally, held in Grand Rapids, marked Trump’s first public appearance with his new running mate, JD Vance, and his first since the attempt on his life.
Addressing thousands of supporters in a packed arena, Trump stated that Democrats have labeled him “a threat to democracy,” and received roaring applause when he proclaimed his readiness to “take back the White House.”
The investigation into the shooting that injured Trump continues. Though he wore a prominent white bandage at the Republican National Convention, by Saturday, it had been replaced with a discreet flesh-toned plaster.
Despite Trump not being scheduled to speak until 17:00 EST (21:00 GMT), eager supporters began lining up as early as 13:00, forming a line that stretched about three miles (4.8km) outside the 12,000-person Van Del Arena.
In the battleground state of Michigan, many attendees expressed their unwavering support for Trump, undeterred by the assassination attempt that left one audience member dead and two others wounded. Some supporters even cited the shooting as their reason for attending the rally.
Unlike the previous outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Grand Rapids event was held indoors, allowing security to carefully monitor entry and mitigate external threats.
During his speech, Trump thanked the “thousands and thousands” of attendees who showed up “almost exactly” a week after the attempt on his life. “I stand before you only by the grace of almighty God,” he said, reaffirming his belief that divine intervention spared him.
