Former US President Donald Trump cast last week’s assassination attempt against him as an act of sacrifice during his first campaign event after the incident attended by thousands of enthusiastic supporters. Trump was shot at last week during a rally in the Butler area of Pennsylvania, where the bullet pierced through the upper part of the right ear.
The assailant, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks (20), was neutralised by the US Secret Service.
A week later, holding a campaign event in Michigan, Trump spoke about the shooting, noting Democrats often accuse him of being a threat to democracy.
“Last week, I took a bullet for democracy,” he told the supporters in the arena in Grand Rapids, reported BBC. “What did I do against democracy?”
Trump was not scheduled to speak during the event until 17:00 EST with new running mate JD Vance, but people began campaigning out in a queue as early as the night before.
By 13:00 EST, a line stretched about three miles (4.8km) outside the 12,000-person Van Del Arena, reported BBC.
Trump spoke with discreet flesh-toned plaster over the wound, replacing the prominent white bandage he wore during the Republican convention.
In his address, Trump thanked the thousands and thousands” of people who came to see him “almost exactly” a week after the assassination attempt.
“I stand before you only by the grace of almighty God,” he said, reiterating his belief that divine intervention saved him from being killed.
The assassination attempt seems to have garnered sympathy and sentiments in support of Trump. Many of those at Saturday’s rally told BBC that the incident won’t stop them from supporting the Republican presidential nominee. Some said they came because of the shooting.
In last week’s shooting, a member of the audience was killed while two others were injured.
