[Editor Note: this is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more.
Updates at bottom of story.]
It was supposed to be his last public rally before the GOP had their national convention. Trump was in good spirits, before things went very, very wrong.
Trump began his speech at 6:05 local time, praising the patriotic spirit of those who came to the rally. He was making his case for how desperate the party faithful are to take back the country. He announced his formal acceptance of the party nomination, pumped up support for McCormick and set out a vision of a united Republican party.
MAGA means ‘Make America Great Again’, Joe… he said.
The crowd, at 6:09 was cheering ‘Thank You Trump’ because he jumped back in the political fight rather than head off to some tropical place to enjoy a retirement.
At 6:10, he was talking about illegal immigration, and he broke off of his teleprompter… pointing to an official US Border Patrol immigration chart.
He started blasting Biden’s record laying out the case that the worst president took over, and look what happened to our country. That chart’s a little bit old…
At 6:11… we heard a series of popping noises, presumably shots fired. Secret Service jumped up and formed a defensive circle around him as law enforcement stood up with guns drawn.
At 6:12, Trump was on his feet, pumped fist in the typical Trumpian style, faced the crowd with what looked like ‘fight fight fight’.
Moments before he was loaded into the armored vehicle, he pumped his fist defiantly one more time. Within maybe 90 seconds, he was back on his feet, and the door of the armored vehicle had been safely closed behind him.
Here are some of the photos circulating.
Praying for President Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/SoVXct1WsH
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) July 13, 2024
— Noam Blum (@neontaster) July 13, 2024
Update 6:57
President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.
— Trump spokesperson @TheStevenCheung
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) July 13, 2024
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