Trump: ‘Took a bullet for democracy’ at rally

Donald Trump held a rally in Michigan, telling thousands that he “took a bullet for democracy” after surviving an assassination attempt last week. It was his first rally with new running mate JD Vance and the first since the attack. Speaking to a packed arena in Grand Rapids, Trump said Democrats have called him “a threat to democracy,” and he vowed to “take back the White House.”

The investigation into the shooting, which injured Trump and killed an audience member, continues. Trump wore a discreet bandage on his ear, covering the wound from the attack. Despite being scheduled to speak at 5:00 PM EST, crowds began lining up by 1:00 PM, stretching for about three miles outside the 12,000-person Van Del Arena. Many attendees said the assassination attempt would not deter their support for Trump; some even came because of it.

Unlike his previous rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Grand Rapids event was indoors, allowing for tighter security. Trump thanked the crowd, attributing his survival to divine intervention. Wendy and Steve Upcott from Clarkston, Michigan, attended despite their daughter’s concerns for their safety. Many supporters wore red Make America Great Again caps, American flag-themed outfits, and T-shirts featuring Trump’s mug shot.

Laura Schultz, who came with a friend, said she couldn’t let fear stop her. For 24-year-old Donald from Grand Rapids, it was his first Trump event, driven by the significance of the rally following the assassination attempt. He felt safe due to the heavy police presence.

Some supporters expressed concern for Trump’s safety. The Secret Service has faced criticism after the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to aim at Trump from a nearby rooftop. The shooter was later killed by Secret Service agents, and his motive remains unknown.

The Grand Rapids event had tight security with metal detectors and military personnel. Former Secret Service agent Jason Russell confirmed significant security measures. The rally followed the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump accepted his party’s nomination. He appeared on stage with vice-presidential pick JD Vance. Meanwhile, Joe Biden paused campaign events after testing positive for COVID-19, facing pressure within his party regarding his candidacy.

Former White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson reported Trump’s ear wound is healing well. Trump’s campaign plans to hold the next rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 24.

Re-reported from the article originally published in BBC.