Grand Rapids, July 20, 2024, The Europe Today: Addressing a packed arena in Grand Rapids, former President Donald Trump told thousands of supporters that he “took a bullet for democracy” following an assassination attempt on his life last week. The rally marked Trump’s first public appearance with his new running mate, JD Vance, and the first since surviving the attempt.
Trump, wearing a discreet flesh-toned plaster over his ear wound, recounted the incident to a fervent audience, accusing Democrats of labeling him “a threat to democracy.” In a defiant speech, he declared his readiness to “take back the White House,” drawing huge applause from the crowd.
The assassination attempt, which occurred last weekend, left Trump with a minor injury and resulted in the death of an audience member, with two others wounded. Despite the threat, Trump’s supporters gathered in droves, undeterred by the violence. By 13:00 EST, four hours before Trump’s scheduled appearance, a line of supporters stretched approximately three miles outside the 12,000-person Van Del Arena.
Trump thanked the “thousands and thousands” of attendees who came to support him “almost exactly” a week after the attack. “I stand before you only by the grace of almighty God,” he said, attributing his survival to divine intervention.
Wendy and Steve Upcott of Clarkston, Michigan, were among the many who traveled from across the state to attend the rally, reassured by heightened security measures. Despite their 26-year-old daughter’s concerns for their safety, the couple felt compelled to show their support in the wake of the shooting.
“The chances of it happening again just one week to the day later is unlikely,” said Wendy Upcott. Many attendees, dressed in red Make America Great Again caps and patriotic attire, echoed her sentiment, asserting that fear would not deter them from supporting Trump.
Laura Schultz, another attendee, acknowledged concerns for her safety but ultimately decided to attend with a friend. “You can’t let fear stop you,” she stated.
The assassination attempt has galvanized many supporters, including several young adults. Donald, a 24-year-old Grand Rapids resident attending his first Trump rally, wore a shirt featuring the viral image of Trump pumping his fist after being shot. “This is the first event after the attempted assassination. I think it’s probably going to be the most important rally,” he said, opting not to share his last name.
While some attendees felt secure due to the heavy police presence, others remained worried about Trump’s safety. “It should be a concern for most Americans that he is still not safe,” Wendy Upcott remarked. Laura Schultz added, “He needs to be very careful.”
The assassination attempt has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the US Secret Service. Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to take aim at Trump in Pennsylvania by climbing onto a roof near the rally stage, despite warnings from rallygoers. The agency is now under intense scrutiny as investigations into the incident continue.
