Former President Donald Trump addressed the Republican National Convention on Thursday in Milwaukee, marking his first speech since the assassination attempt last week. The night was filled with major moments, but none more poignant than his tribute to a fallen firefighter.
‘It saved my life’: Trump reveals immigration chart shown before assassination attempt
Trump Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter Corey Comparator
Trump honored firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed in last week’s assassination attempt, calling the Pennsylvania father a “fine man.”
“Tragically, the shooter claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore, and seriously wounded two other great warriors, David Dutch and James Copenhaver. I spoke to all three families of these tremendous people — our love and prayers are with them, and always will be,” Trump said. “Corey, a highly respected former fire chief, was accompanied by his wife Helen and two precious daughters. He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets… what a fine man he was.”
In a deeply emotional moment, Trump walked over and kissed Comperatore’s firefighting helmet, which was placed alongside his turnout coat on the stage as a tribute. He then asked for a moment of silence.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others,” Trump said. “This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness.”
Trump’s heartfelt tribute resonated with the audience, highlighting the bravery and selflessness of everyday Americans like Corey Comperatore. The moment served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect their communities, and it underscored the themes of unity and resilience that Trump emphasized throughout his speech.
Trump Retells Assassination Attempt at RNC
At the beginning of his speech, former President Donald Trump recounted in great detail the assassination attempt against him. A somber Trump shared his version of events with the crowd.
“To see the chart, I started to turn to my right and was ready to begin a further turn, which I’m lucky I didn’t when I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me, really hard, on my right ear,” Trump recalled. “I said to myself, ‘Wow, what was that – it can only be a bullet,’ – and moved my right hand to my ear, brought it down, and my hand was covered with blood, just blood all over the place. I immediately knew it was very serious, that we were under attack, and in one movement, proceeded to drop to the ground.”
“There was blood pouring everywhere, and yet, in a certain way, I felt very safe because I had God on my side,” Trump continued. “The amazing thing is that before the shot, if I had not moved my head at the very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark, and I would not be with you tonight.”
Despite shots ringing out at the crowded rally, attendees did not “run for the exits or stampede,” Trump noted, but instead “tens of thousands of people stood by and didn’t move an inch. Many of them bravely, but automatically, stood up looking for where the sniper would be, and then began pointing at him.”
Because of this, Trump said, “many lives were saved.”
“But that isn’t the reason they didn’t move – the reason is that they knew I was in serious trouble, they saw all of the blood, and thought I was dead, and they just didn’t want to leave me, and you can see that love written all over their faces,” he said.
“I am not supposed to be here tonight,” Trump said, as the crowd shouted back, “Yes you are.”
Trump’s retelling of the assassination attempt was a gripping and emotional highlight of his speech. It underscored his resilience and the deep connection he shared with his supporters, who remained steadfast and protective in the face of danger. The moment served as a powerful testament to Trump’s enduring influence and the unwavering loyalty of his followers.
Trump Pays Tribute to Melania at RNC
During his speech at the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump took a moment to pay tribute to his wife, Melania, saying he was “deeply honored to be joined by my amazing wife.”
He then referred to her letter to America, in which she called for unity in the wake of the assassination attempt against her husband.
“I am thinking of you now, my fellow Americans,” she wrote. “Dawn is here again. Let us reunite. Now.”
Trump praised the letter during his speech.
“And Melania, thank you very much. You also did something wonderful. A letter to America calling for national unity. And it took the Republican Party by surprise. I will tell you, it was beautiful,” he said.
“Some severe people said that we should take that letter and put it as part of the Republican platform. That would be an honor, wouldn’t it?”
Trump’s tribute to Melania highlighted her role in advocating for unity during a tumultuous time. Her heartfelt letter and his recognition of it added a personal and touching note to the evening, underscoring the importance of family and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Trump shows illegal immigration chart that he believes saved his life
During his speech at the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump displayed a chart showing the number of illegal immigrant crossings into the U.S. This was the same chart that had been on display during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by turning his head to look at it just as a gunman opened fire.
“Last time I put up that chart, I never really got to look at it,” Trump said to laughs from the crowd. “But without that chart, I would not be here today.”
“I said, ‘You got to see this chart.’ I was so proud of it. And by the time I got there, I never got to see it that day. But I’m seeing it now, and I was very proud.”
Trump’s display of the chart served as a dramatic reminder of the recent attempt on his life and highlighted his continued focus on immigration issues. His remarks, blending humor with gravity, underscored the significance of the moment and his connection to the policies he champions.
Trump Mentions Biden’s Name Once at RNC
During his speech at the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump briefly went off script and mentioned President Biden by name, quickly noting that he wouldn’t do it again.
“If you took the 10 worst presidents in the history of the United States, think of it, the 10 worst, and added them all up… they will not have done the damage that Biden has done,” Trump declared.
He then added, “I’m only going to use the term once. Biden. I’m not going to use the name anymore. Just one time.”
Trump’s pointed critique and decision to limit his mention of Biden underscored his desire to focus on his message and vision for the future, rather than dwelling on his political rival.