Trump Will Attend RNC After Assassination Attempt at Rally

Trump Will Attend RNC After Assassination Attempt at Rally
Workers install decorations outside the Fiserv Forum in preparation for the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee on July 12, 2024. The RNC will be held from July 15–18. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
T.J. Muscaro
Updated:
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Former President Donald Trump has said he will be attending the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, despite the attempt on his life on Saturday night.

The convention is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 15.

“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States,” senior campaign Advisors Susie Wiles & Chris LaCivita said in a statement.

“As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”

While he is the only Republican candidate left in the race, former President Trump is expected to be officially named the GOP presidential nominee at the event.

Many also anticipate him to announce his choice for vice president. Those on his “shortlist” are scheduled to attend, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Sens. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the convention, including delegates from all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as hundreds of journalists. Former President Trump’s attendance after this assassination attempt is expected to generate an enthusiastic response.

“We all know President Trump is stronger than his enemies,” Mr. Burgum said on X. “Today, he showed it.”

Mr. Vance blamed anti-Trump campaign rhetoric for the shooting.

“Today is not just some isolated incident,” he wrote on X.

Secret Service and former President Trump’s campaign confirmed he was “safe” and “doing well” hours after a bullet pierced his ear during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

Former President Trump took cover behind his stage podium as gunshots rang out. Blood covering his right ear and cheek, he was escorted off the stage surrounded by his Secret Service detail, first raising his fist to the air as the crowd shouted, “USA! USA!”

Republicans, Democrats, U.S. officials, former U.S. presidents, and world leaders were all swift to condemn the attack.

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden spoke with the former president after the attack.

President Biden denounced the attack from the Emergency Briefing Room in Rehoboth, Delaware.

“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick, it’s sick,” the president said.

“It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”

After the attack, the Biden–Harris campaign announced they would be pulling down all television ads for the time being due to the shooting.

Former President Trump confirmed that a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear. The FBI has confirmed that one rally attendant was killed and two others were seriously injured.

“I want to thank The United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” former President Trump posted on his Truth Social after the incident.

“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country.”

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, T.J. Muscaro covers the Sunshine State, America's space industry, the theme park industry, and family-related issues.
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