WASHINGTON – The show must go on.
Former President Donald Trump attended the Republican National Convention two days after surviving an assassination attempt by a gunman.
“President Trump looks forward to meeting you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him as the 47th president of the United States. As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision for Making America Great Again,” Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, Co-Chairs Lara Trump, and Trump advisers Suzie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a joint statement.
“As communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is in good spirits and thanks police and emergency responders for their swift action,” the statement added.
Trump was shot in the ear on Saturday night in Balter, Pennsylvania, while speaking at the final rally before the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, where he will be sworn in as the Republican nominee.
As shots rang out at the rally, former President Trump touched his face and ducked, but Secret Service agents protected him as he fell to the ground. He rose seconds later and pumped his fist as he was escorted by a motorcade, which took him to a nearby hospital for a medical examination.
One rally attendee was shot dead and the gunman was removed by the Secret Service.
It’s not clear what day Trump plans to speak at the Republican National Convention, but it’s expected to be jam-packed with speakers and events well into the night. He is also expected to announce his running mate during the convention.
Some attendees, including those who were planning to stay at the same hotel as Trump, told The Washington Post they were more concerned about their safety at the large event.
The Milwaukee RNC Center will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians without identification.
The Secret Service was already planning to deploy a security perimeter in anticipation of protests during the convention, and it is unclear whether security will be further stepped up in the wake of the shooting.
“It’s inconceivable that things will continue as they are, as officials need time to implement enhanced protocols not only at the venue but in the surrounding area, at various official events throughout Milwaukee and for all state delegations,” one source who attended the Republican National Convention said.
“It is not just a matter of the principal’s safety and security. There are 56 delegations arriving and departing in buses. It is an easy target for copycat criminals who spot an elevated structure anywhere,” the source added.
Given the assassination attempt, there may be changes to the speech in terms of what is said at the Republican National Convention.
Speakers at the event have already submitted their planned remarks to Republican leaders, but The Washington Post has learned that several are considering rewriting their speeches in light of the dramatic news.
After Trump was taken to hospital, spokesman Steven Chan said the former president was in “good condition” and was staying there for a medical check-up.
Trump later said he was “shot above the right ear.”
“I knew right away something was wrong as I heard the whoosh and the gunshot and felt the bullets going through my skin. I was bleeding profusely and knew what was going on,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also offered his condolences to the rally attendee who was fatally injured and “the family of another individual who was seriously injured,” and thanked the Secret Service and local police.
