Defiant Trump looks to rally nation in wake of failed assassination: ‘Unite America!’

In the wake of a failed assassination that shook America to its core, former President Donald Trump is defiantly brushing off his injuries as he seeks to rally the nation toward unity after a stunning act of political violence.

The shooting incident has dominated the news cycle and effectively ended media buzz around the Democrats replacing President Joe Biden as their nominee. Now, the initiative belongs decidedly to Trump, who has vowed to press forward with the Republican National Convention on schedule.

While the convention will see Trump formally nominated by the Republican Party for president, it will also see him reveal his choice of running mate and potential successor as the America First movement’s standard bearer, a choice of pivotal consequence for the nation as the matter of Trump’s own mortality remains top of mind.

“UNITE AMERICA!”

Trump’s brief post on Sunday afternoon appears to capture the essence of his response to the attempt on his life and act as a rallying cry behind his bid to return to the White House. He has further attributed his survival to divine intervention and insisted he would not be cowed by acts of violence.

“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” he further said. “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.”

“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,” he went on. “I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”

The episode  appears to have united political figures across the political spectrum.

“Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the campaign rally today in Pennsylvania, and we send our gratitude to the law enforcement who responded at the scene,” posted House Speaker Mike Johnson. “This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned.”

President Joe Biden, in a Sunday night address, spoke to the nation and echoed calls for unity among Americans.

”Remember, while we may disagree, we are not enemies. We’re neighbors, we’re friends, coworkers, citizens, and most importantly, we’re fellow Americans. We must stand together,” he said.

“I spoke with him last night, I’m grateful he’s doing well, and Jill and I keep him and his family in our prayers,” he added.

Other Democrats joined Biden in wishing Trump well.

“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” former President Barack Obama posted. “Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”

Trump’s successor and the RNC

The four-day convention will not be interrupted by the attempted assassination of its headline figure. While events were initially set to delay Trump’s arrival to Milwaukee, the site of the convention, Trump himself reversed course, insisting that changing his plans would be to capitulate to the shooter.

“Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and The Republican National Convention, by two days, but have just decided that I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Therefore, I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled, at 3:30 P.M. TODAY. Thank you!  DJT”

After spending much of his Sunday at his Bedminster Golf Club, Trump departed for Wisconsin and arrived late Sunday evening, according to the Washington Post.

The convention will see Trump receive the party nomination for the November general contest, which should he win, will mean his personality will remain at the center of the movement for at least another four years.

Of potentially longer term consequence, however, will be his running mate, who would become the natural successor to Trump as leader of the GOP. Among the apparent finalists for the post are Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Prior to the assassination attempt, Trump had cast doubt on Rubio and Burgum, highlighting Florida lawmaker’s state of residence and Burgum’s support for a strict abortion ban.

Potentially signaling Trump could opt for Vance is Donald Trump Jr.’s speaking time at the RNC, which is just ahead of the vice presidential slot. Trump Jr. has been a supporter of the Ohio lawmaker for the post.

The shooter

Trump was shot on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Penn., while holding a campaign rally. The FBI identified the suspect as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Around 6:15 p.m., Crooks allegedly discharged several rounds, killing one rally goer and wounding two others. Trump himself was shot in the right ear, after which the Secret Service dove on top of him.

Crooks allegedly fired from a rooftop less than 200 yards from Trump’s speaking position, raising questions about security shortcomings, including how the shooter was able to position himself, and the adequacy of resources for Trump’s Secret Service detail.

After the shooter was neutralized, Trump rose to his feet and pumped his fist in the air to indicate he was alright before being sent to the hospital. The incident marked the first assassination attempt on a former president since 1981. The campaign quickly assured the public that Trump had survived as was receiving medical treatment.

Emerging from the scene was an immediately iconic photo of the bloodied commander-in-chief being escorted away from the stage by the Secret Service with his hand in the air.

President Trump won’t be stopped.

America can’t be broken.

Pray for our country. pic.twitter.com/PBHvM1yICk

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) July 13, 2024

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X.