Trump Discusses Assassination Attempt at Milwaukee Convention

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, spoke for the first time about the assassination attempt he survived, detailing the harrowing event at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The 78-year-old former president, with a bandaged ear, described the incident at a Pennsylvania rally where he was shot in the ear, narrowly escaping death.

Addressing the convention, Trump recounted the terrifying moment when he heard a loud whizzing sound and felt a sharp pain in his right ear while at the podium in Butler. He realized he had been shot and quickly dropped to the ground as blood poured from his ear. Secret Service agents immediately rushed to protect him, shielding him from further danger.

Trump attributed his survival to divine intervention, saying, “I had God on my side.” He explained that a slight movement of his head just before the shot saved his life, as the bullet missed its intended target by a quarter of an inch.

During his speech, Trump paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter who was killed in the attack. He honored Comperatore by kissing his fire helmet, acknowledging his bravery and sacrifice.

The convention featured several notable moments, including an appearance by wrestler Hulk Hogan, who energized the crowd by tearing his shirt to reveal a Trump campaign tee. Trump’s 90-minute speech, the longest in convention history, was met with enthusiastic support from the delegates.

In his address, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone than usual, emphasizing his desire to be a president for all Americans. However, he soon reverted to familiar themes, criticizing President Joe Biden’s administration and alleging, without evidence, that his criminal charges were part of a Democratic conspiracy. He warned that Biden’s leadership could lead to “World War Three” and described an “invasion” of migrants over the Mexican border. Trump also reiterated his baseless claim that the 2020 election was stolen by the Democrats.

He asserted that the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza would not have occurred under his presidency, claiming he could stop wars with a phone call. As his speech concluded, Trump was joined on stage by his family and the family of his running mate, Senator JD Vance, amid a cascade of balloons. Notably present was Trump’s wife, Melania, who has seldom appeared on the campaign trail.

Meanwhile, President Biden faces mounting pressure to withdraw from the race. The 81-year-old is currently isolating at his Delaware home after contracting COVID-19, with his doctor reporting mild symptoms.

• Okunoye Oluwaseyi