The former president recounted an incident where he was addressing his administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration at the southern border. He claimed to have felt a “loud whizzing sound” and then felt something hit his right ear. Believing it to be a bullet and seeing blood, he promptly dropped to the ground.

Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him, and Trump expressed feeling secure due to divine protection. He further explained that had he not moved his head at the last moment, the bullet would have hit him. He commended the bravery of the rally attendees for not fleeing and instead pointing out the shooter.

Trump expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received from the crowd, and for their bravery on that evening. He spoke about the families of three men, observed a moment of silence to honor Comperatore, and emphasized the importance of love and sacrifice, stating that it “forged America in her darkest hours.” Trump pledged to remain resolute in delivering a government that serves the American people and to continue with the mission despite the attack.

He sustained a minor injury to his ear and had been wearing a bandage over it. Some convention attendees showed support by also wearing fake bandages. Following the incident, Trump called for unity and revealed that he made last-minute edits to his speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination.

He returned to his property in New Jersey after the shooting but traveled to Milwaukee for the convention.