With Bandaged Ear, Trump Makes First Public Appearance After Surviving Assassination Attempt

Former US President Donald Trump arrived at the Republican National Convention on Monday (local time), making his first public appearance after he survived the assassination attempt on Saturday. Wearing a white bandage on his right ear, the former US President waved at supporters and received a standing ovation from the audience. Trump, accompanied by his running mate Senator JD Vance, chose to remain silent during the convention. However, he actively participated by applauding officials and guests as they addressed the audience. His supporters, carrying posters with the slogan “Make America Wealthy Again,” demonstrated their unwavering loyalty to the former President.
Trump, 78, made no remarks to the convention, which erupted in loud applause and chants of “USA! USA!” Instead, he stood alongside his newly announced running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, and soaked in the warm reception.
Trump, wearing a blue suit and a trademark red tie, smiled and applauded as officials, guests and others took the stage to address the convention — and to thank their party leader or praise his survival from a would-be assassin’s attack.
Trump’s appearance also came after he picked Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate in the upcoming elections. The 78-year-old former President walked up the steps, pumped his fists, clapped and thanked the crowd. He also greeted Vance and other delegates at the RNC event. Trump is due to formally accept the party’s nomination in a prime-time speech on Thursday.
In his first statement issued on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump thanked the US Secret Service and law endorsement for their rapid response and also extended his condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed.  Biden said on Sunday he had ordered an independent review, and Republican lawmakers vowed swift investigations.
In her first major statement since the shooting, which killed a rally attendee, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said the agency was increasing security for Republican presidential candidate Trump and the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which kicks off on Monday. “I am confident in the security plan our Secret Service RNC coordinator and our partners have put in place, which we have reviewed and strengthened in the wake of Saturday’s shooting,” Cheatle said in a statement.
Trump is due on Thursday to formally accept his party’s nomination as flagbearer to challenge President Joe Biden in the November 5 election.