WASHINGTON – The show must go on.
Former President Donald Trump will attend the Republican National Convention two days after surviving a gunman’s attempt to assassinate him.
“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again,” RNC chair Michael Whatley, co-chair Lara Trump and Trump advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a joint statement.
“As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action,” the statement added.
Donald Trump is helped off the stage at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. APTrump was shot in the ear Saturday night in Bulter, Pa., while giving remarks at his final rally before the RNC convention slated to begin on Monday, where he will be sworn in as the Republican nominee.
The former president touched his face and ducked after shots were heard ringing out at the rally before Secret Service members shielded him on the ground.
Trump got up seconds later and put his fist in the air while being escorted to his motorcade, which took him to a nearby hospital for a medial checkup.
One rally attendee was fatally shot and the gunman was taken out by Secret Service.
Trump pumped his fist in the air as he was being led off stage after being shot. APIt’s not clear what days Trump is expected to speak at the RNC convention, but the event will be jam-packed with speakers and events running into the night. He’s also expected to announce his vice presidential pick during the convention.
The City of Milwaukee said more than “50,000 delegates, media, law enforcement, staff and visitors will attend the convention and related activities” in the southeastern Wisconsin city for the convention, which will run until Thursday.
Here’s the latest on the assassination attempt against Donald Trump:
- Would-be Trump assassin Thomas Crooks visited gun range dozens of times — including Christmas — for ‘intense preparation’
- Newly surfaced texts show Trump rally gunman was on authorities’ radar more than 90 minutes before shooting: report
- FBI to conduct victim interview with Donald Trump after assassination attempt
- Ex-Trump doc says FBI’s Wray is ‘wrong’ to doubt ex-prez was struck by bullet: ‘Absolutely no evidence’
- Trump defends female Secret Service agent who was criticized after assassination attempt: ‘So brave’
Some attendees told The Post they are more concerned for their safety at the mega event, including those who were planning to stay at the same hotel as Trump.
The Milwaukee RNC center will be blocked off from vehicles and pedestrians without credentials.
Secret Service agents set up fencing outside the Fiserv Forum, which is scheduled to host the Republican National Convention (RNC), shortly after Trump was injured at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Getty Images
The RNC convention will run July 15-18. Milwaukee Journal SentinelSecret Service was already planning to be in place and set a security perimeter, as some protests are expected to play out during the convention. It’s unclear whether security will be further tightened as a response to the shooting.
“It’s inconceivable that things will proceed as-is because the authorities will need time to implement enhanced protocols at the venue but also within the perimeter, at assorted official events throughout Milwaukee, and with all the state delegations,” one source attending the RNC said.
Everything we know about the Trump assassination attempt
- 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the shooter who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
- Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service agents.
- The gunman grazed Trump’s ear, killed a 50-year-old retired fire chief, and injured two other rally-goers.
- Investigators detailed Crooks’ search history to lawmakers, revealing that he looked for the dates of Trump’s appearances and the Democratic National Convention.
- Crooks’ search history also revealed a broad interest in high-profile people and celebrities, regardless of their political affiliation, FBI officials reportedly said.
- Trump exclusively recounted surviving the “surreal” assassination attempt with The Post at the rally, remarking, “I’m supposed to be dead.”
- High-profile politicians, including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, addressed the nation about the shooting, calling it “a heinous, horrible and cowardly act.”
“It’s not just about the safety and security of a principal. You have 56 delegations arriving and departing by bus. They’re sitting ducks for any copycats who find an elevated structure somewhere,” the source added.
There could be shakeups in speeches given the assassination attempt in terms of what will be said on the RNC floor.
Trump reacts as multiple shots rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. REUTERSWhile speakers for the event have already turned in their planned remarks to Republican Party leadership, several want to rewrite their speeches in light of the dramatic news, The Post has learned.
After Trump was taken to the hospital, spokesperson Steven Cheung said the former president was doing “fine” and was in the hospital for a medical check up.
Trump later said he “was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also sent his condolences to the rally attendee who was fatally shot and “to the family of another person that was badly injured,” as well as thanking Secret Service and local law enforcment.







