Donald Trump announced he has altered his upcoming speech for the Republican National Convention following an assassination attempt on his life.
The former president arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the convention a day after gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at him from a rooftop during a campaign rally.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner during a flight on Saturday evening, Trump said, “The speech I was going to give on Thursday was going to be a humdinger. Had [the assassination attempt] not happened, this would’ve been one of the most incredible speeches,” primarily focusing on President Joe Biden’s policies.
“Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now,” he added, noting it would deliver a message of unity for both the country and the world.
Trump’s plane landed at Milwaukee airport on Sunday evening, where he raised a fist on the stairs before traveling in his motorcade, cheered on by supporters, to a hotel.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump had posted on his Truth Social site that he considered delaying his trip by two days due to the assassination attempt but ultimately decided against it, stating, “I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else.”
In another post, he emphasized the importance of unity, writing, “In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.”
Trump was shot in the ear during the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in one audience member’s death and injuries to two others. The Secret Service reported that the gunman was killed.
Reflecting on the incident, Trump told the Washington Examiner, “That reality is just setting in. I rarely look away from the crowd. Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today, would we?”
Trump is set to receive his party’s formal nomination at the Republican National Convention, which begins on Monday and will gather thousands of Republicans.
