Grand Rapids, Michigan – Thousands of people lined the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday to show support for former President Trump in the first rally since an assassin attempted to kill him last week but failed.
When asked by Fox News Digital if there was any tension following the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old gunman killed one protester, wounded two others and shot President Trump in the ear, some in the battleground state audience began chanting “Fight, fight, fight!”
“West Michigan is full of enthusiasm and ready for change in Washington,” Michael Markey, Republican candidate for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, told Fox as he greeted rally-goers waiting in a long line to get into Van Andel Arena.
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On July 20, 2024, thousands of people lined the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to attend former President Trump’s first rally since the assassination attempt. (Fox News Digital/Brandon Gillespie)
Republican congressional candidate Michael Markey talks with supporters of former President Donald Trump outside a rally for the president in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 20, 2024. (Congressman Michael Markey)
“Just one week ago, West Michigan residents prayed for President Trump, the victims of the attack in Pennsylvania, and our country. Today, we will eagerly line up to meet President Trump and show him we are ready to fight,” Markey said.
Some rally attendees told reporters they spent the night outside the arena, while others said they arrived nearly 12 hours early to ensure they had a spot in line.
It is unclear how many people will turn out to the arena, which can accommodate up to 12,000, but the rally is expected to be even more exciting as it will be Trump’s first joint campaign event with his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.
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On July 20, 2024, thousands of people lined the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to attend former President Trump’s first rally since the assassination attempt. (Fox News Digital/Brandon Gillespie)
On July 20, 2024, thousands of people lined the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to attend former President Trump’s first rally since the assassination attempt. (Fox News Digital/Brandon Gillespie)
The rally comes as the Secret Service continues to face questions about the assassination attempt and how the attacker was able to climb to the top of the building unhindered and get a direct view of President Trump as he spoke.
The department has reportedly requested additional assistance from local police to beef up security for the Grand Rapids event.
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Trump and Vance formally accepted the party’s nominations for president and vice president at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee earlier this week.
Saturday’s rally is scheduled to begin at 5pm ET.
Get the latest 2024 campaign updates, exclusive interviews and more on Fox News Digital’s Election Hub.
