Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trump back at the RNC for the second night with ear still bandaged from assassination attempt

He was once again greated with cacophonous applause as he entered the convention hall just after 9pm local time

Mike Bedigan
New York
Wednesday 17 July 2024 03:10 BST
Comments
JD Vance arrives for day two of Republican National Convention

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump made his second appearance in two days at the Republican National Convention Tuesday, just days after he survived an attempted assassination during a campaign rally.

The former president walked into the Fiserv Forum with a white bandage still covering his right ear, after he was clipped by a bullet fired by a gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle on Saturday.

He was once again greated with cacophonous applause as he entered the convention hall just after 9pm local time, with supporters in the crowd at the convention hall mimicking the dance moves he has been known to bust out at campaign rallies.

He applauded and pumped his fist while mouthing “thank you” to the crowd, before being joined by his newly selected running mate JD Vance. Both men are due to make speeches at the convention this week – on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

On Monday, Trump made his first, surprise, appearance at the RNC, shortly after formly receiving the GOP nomination as the Republican presidental candidate.

Donald Trump returned to the RNC for the second night - just days after being shot during a rally in Pennsylvania
Donald Trump returned to the RNC for the second night - just days after being shot during a rally in Pennsylvania (Getty Images)

A 20-year-old gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle fired several rounds toward a rally stage, nearly killing the former president while he was minutes into his remarks.

Writing on Truth Social the next day, Trump said he “cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force a change to scheduling, or anything else.” He arrived in Wisconsin on Sunday night.

Since his official candidacy was announced Monday multiple members of the Republican party have taken to the stage at the convention to sing his praises, many of whom have referenced the shocking incident. House majority leader Steve Scalise – who was himself the victim of a “politically motivated” shooting – said that while he was in hospital, Donald Trump was one of the first to console his family.

During practice for the 2017 year’s Congressional Baseball Game, Scalise was shot and seriously wounded by an anti-Trump domestic terrorist who was targeting Republicans.

Trump was joined again by his newly selected running mate JD Vance
Trump was joined again by his newly selected running mate JD Vance (REUTERS)

The Louisiana congressman underwent treatment for several months, returning to Congress on September 28 that year.

“Lastly, I need to say something about Saturday’s attempt on President Trump’s life,” Scalise told convention attendees on Tuesday.

“Many of you know I was the survivor of a politically motivated shooting in 2017 not many know that while I was fighting for my life, Donald Trump was one of the first to come console my family at the hospital.

“That’s the kind of leader he is – courageous under fire, compassionate towards others. Let’s put Donald Trump back in the White House this November. So, we can make America great again.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in