Former President Donald Trump arrived in Wisconsin on Sunday, just a day after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt during a campaign event in Pennsylvania. Trump’s arrival in Milwaukee, aboard his distinctive Boeing 757 known as Trump Force One, marked the beginning of the four-day Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be officially nominated as the party’s candidate.
The former president’s visit to the crucial swing state came after a gunman opened fire at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, injuring Trump’s right ear. Despite considering a delay in his trip due to the attack, Trump ultimately decided against it, stating on Truth Social, “I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else.”
Security protocols were implemented at Mitchell International Airport, resulting in a 30-minute closure of the runways as Trump’s plane landed. Surprisingly, the US Secret Service announced that they would not be increasing security measures for the convention, expressing confidence in their existing plans. Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the Secret Service’s RNC coordinator, assured reporters that preparations were proceeding as scheduled.
During the convention, Trump is expected to announce his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Melania Trump, his wife, will reportedly accompany him, making a rare appearance on the campaign trail. Melania, reflecting on the harrowing incident, shared her realization that her life and that of their son, Barron, were on the verge of devastating change when she witnessed the violent bullet strike her husband.
The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was swiftly neutralized by the Secret Service. However, not before his bullets caused injuries to Trump, claimed the life of one individual, and critically wounded two others.
