Trump to Focus on Unity in GOP Convention Speech After Attack

Former President Donald Trump is set to address the Republican National Convention later this week, but the nature of his speech will undergo a dramatic transformation. Initially planned as a critique of President Joe Biden’s policies, Trump announced a shift in focus during an interview with the Washington Examiner, revealing that his revised speech will center on promoting national unity. This change comes after Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania, which left him with significant injuries.

In his interview, Trump explained that his original speech was designed to be a powerful indictment of Biden’s administration, describing it as potentially “one of the most incredible speeches.” However, the recent attack has shifted his perspective. “It is a chance to bring the country together,” Trump stated, underscoring his new message of unity and healing. The former president’s change of heart reflects the gravity of the situation and the impact it has had on his campaign.

Traveling to Milwaukee for the convention, Trump described the assassination attempt as a “very surreal experience” in a conversation with the New York Post. He expressed a sense of disbelief, saying, “I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead.” The New York Post reported that Trump was seen with a “loose, large white bandage” around his right ear. According to his attending physician, Trump’s survival was nothing short of miraculous, highlighting the severity of the injuries he sustained.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to call for unity and to express his eagerness to address the nation from Wisconsin. Despite the dramatic events, the convention will continue as planned, albeit with enhanced security measures for all attendees. Trump’s senior advisers have assured that the event will proceed with adjustments to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Trump recounted the details of the attack, noting that he was struck by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear. He expressed gratitude for the swift response of the Secret Service and local law enforcement, who played a crucial role in his immediate care. The former president’s survival, he believes, has significantly altered the election’s dynamics. He mentioned receiving support from various political figures and emphasized his narrow escape from a potentially fatal outcome. Trump explained that he looked away from the crowd at a crucial moment to check a screen, which may have saved his life.

The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was abruptly interrupted by gunfire shortly after it began. Video footage from the event shows Trump diving behind the podium as Secret Service agents rushed to protect him. He emerged from the chaos with blood on the right side of his face and was seen pumping his fist into the air while being escorted off the stage. The Secret Service later confirmed Trump was safe and undergoing medical evaluation. One person was killed, and two others were injured in the shooting. The attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was identified as the shooter and was subsequently killed by the Secret Service. Authorities recovered an AR-style rifle from the scene, and it was reported that Crooks was positioned on a building several hundred yards away from the rally.

In response to the attack, President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama both condemned the violence. Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed and emphasized that such acts have no place in America. Obama called for a recommitment to civility and respect in politics. Gabby Giffords, a former U.S. Representative who survived an assassination attempt in 2012, condemned the violence, labeling it as un-American.

Looking ahead, Trump is expected to formally accept the Republican nomination on Thursday night. His campaign has announced a roster of additional speakers, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump Jr., and several potential vice presidential candidates. The shooting has sparked controversy among Trump supporters, with some attributing blame to the Biden campaign and its rhetoric. Vance and Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita have suggested that the attack was a consequence of anti-Trump sentiments promoted by the Biden campaign.

As Trump prepares for his speech, he aims to convey a message of strength and resilience, signaling that despite the attack, “America goes on, we go forward, that we are strong.”