Donald Trump has returned to the campaign trail, holding his first rally since surviving an assassination attempt last week. The former president chose Michigan, a crucial battleground state, to make his comeback alongside his newly selected running mate, Ohio senator J D Vance.
The event took place exactly one week after the shocking incident in Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire, leaving Trump with a minor injury to his ear, one person dead, and two others wounded.
As he took the stage, Trump expressed his gratitude, saying, "Very special thanks to Americans nationwide, including all of you here today for your extraordinary outpouring of love and support in the wake of the horrific last Saturday evening." The crowd responded with chants of "Fight, fight, fight!" as Trump stood before them, his ear bandage now replaced with a skin-colored one.
Vance, who joined Trump for their first joint appearance since being nominated at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, remarked on the incredible turnout despite the recent assassination attempt.
"I find it hard to believe that a week ago, an assassin tried to take Donald Trump's life, and now we have got a hell of a crowd in Michigan to welcome him back on the campaign trail," he said.
Trump, in turn, praised Vance, saying, "I chose him because he's for the worker."
In a triumphant declaration to an enthusiastic audience, Donald Trump said, "Last week I took a bullet for democracy." The former president vehemently denied any extremist affiliations, refuting alleged connections to Project 2025, a controversial manifesto spearheaded by his close associates.
Critics have denounced the project as a far-right, authoritarian agenda.
Trump also took aim at the Democratic Party, which is grappling with unprecedented calls for US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race due to concerns about his age and ability to effectively serve until 2029 if reelected.
The former president mockingly remarked, "They have no idea who their candidate is... This guy goes and he gets the votes, and now they want to take it away. That's democracy."
Despite occasionally lapsing into his signature meandering campaign rhetoric, the rally marked a remarkable moment by any standard, as Trump returned to the stage precisely one week after an assailant attempted to assassinate him. The event drew a fervent crowd of 12,000 supporters, underscoring his enduring appeal among his base.
Hours before the rally, supporters flooded the streets of downtown Grand Rapids, eagerly awaiting the former president's arrival.
The line of attendees stretched nearly a mile from the venue's entrance, with many wearing shirts featuring the image of Trump defiantly pumping his fist in the air after surviving the shooting. The iconic red "Make America Great Again" hats were also a common sight among the crowd.
The rally was held at the Van Andel Arena, an indoor venue capable of accommodating more than 12,000 people. The decision to hold the event indoors was a departure from Trump's previous rallies this election cycle, which were primarily held outdoors.