President Donald Trump addressed accusations of being a “threat to democracy” during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday. Trump countered these claims by asserting, “Last week, I took a bullet for democracy.”
Trump’s statement referred to an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Thomas Matthew Crooks fired eight shots at Trump from a rooftop, striking him in the upper part of his right ear. Despite his injuries, Trump quickly recovered and rallied his supporters, shouting, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
The assassination attempt followed years of rhetoric from Democrats and media figures labeling Trump as a threat to democracy. Shortly before the attack, President Joe Biden’s social media implied Trump was a dictator, potentially inciting violence against him.
Prominent Democrats, including the progressive “Squad,” condemned the attempt on Trump’s life. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) wished Trump a “speedy recovery” despite her frequent criticisms, which she resumed shortly after the attack.
Two days after the incident, Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He delivered his first public speech since the attack, officially accepting the GOP nomination for president.
The Secret Service’s handling of the incident has come under scrutiny. Despite spotting Crooks on the rooftop ten minutes before Trump’s speech, agents allowed the event to proceed. This lapse and other reported failures have prompted multiple investigations.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, facing calls for her resignation, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday. The committee will investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the agency’s response.
Trump’s resilience in the face of the assassination attempt has reinforced his message of fighting for democracy, as he continues his campaign for the presidency.
