Donald Trump makes first public appearance at Republican National Convention since assassination attempt
Former President Donald Trump has made his first public appearance since he was injured in an attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania rally on the weekend.
Mr Trump smiled warmly, despite sporting a heavily bandaged ear, as the crowd welcomed him to the Republican Party’s national convention in Milwaukee.
The presidential nominee was injured when a shooter opened fire at the rally on Saturday night just after 6pm local time. His ear was pierced by one of the bullets.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A bleeding Mr Trump was rushed from the stage by Secret Service agents after the shooter was killed by snipers — but not before he defiantly raised a fist to the crowd.
Mr Trump walked into the packed conference to rapturous applause, appearing subdued and showing his appreciation to his Republican colleagues.
He raised a fist before standing next to his newly minted vice-presidential running mate JD Vance.
Saturday’s shooting, which resulted in the death of an audience member and the shooter — 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks — has turned the presidential campaign on its head and sent shockwaves around the world.
President Joe Biden, who himself is facing intense pressure to step aside as the Democratic nominee, condemned the attack, saying violence had no place in American politics.
World leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressed their shock and dismay at the assassination attempt.
Mr Albanese called for the “temperature” of the political debate in Australia to also be lowered.
“It’s important that democracy be cherished. It is our great asset and we need to look for unity wherever we can, look for respectful disagreement,” he said.
On Monday, just hours before the Republican convention, Mr Trump announced on Truth Social that Ohio Senator Vance, a Republican who had previously spoken out against Mr Trump, would be his running mate.
“As Vice President, JD will continue to fight for our constitution, stand with our troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Mr Trump said.
Vance, 39, was a fierce Trump critic in 2016 but has since become one of the president’s staunchest defenders.
The selection of James David Vance, author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, could increase the odds of Trump supporters turning out for the November 5 election as the Ohio native is deeply popular with the Republican candidate’s base.
Trump, 78, and Biden, 81, are locked in what opinion polls suggest is a tight election rematch.
After the assassination attempt, Trump said he was revising his acceptance speech to emphasise national unity rather than highlight his differences with Biden.
“This is a chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together. The speech will be a lot different, a lot different than it would’ve been two days ago,” Trump told the Washington Examiner.
