On Tuesday, Donald Trump Jr. recounted the harrowing 90 minutes when he was uncertain about his father’s safety following an assassination attempt on Saturday. Talking with Axios’ co-founder Mike Allen at an event outside the Republican National Convention (RNC) at Central Waters Brewing Company in downtown Milwaukee, Trump Jr. shared his experiences and emotions during the tense period.
The event was packed to capacity, with some attendees watching the conversation on a TV outside. Donald Trump Jr. was in Florida fishing with his daughter when he heard about the shooting. For an agonizing 90 minutes, he didn’t know if his father was alive. His relief and pride were palpable when he finally saw images of his father, former President Donald Trump, with his fist raised in defiance. “To be shot and to stand up with that kind of resolve, I just told him, ‘Hey man, you’re the biggest bad-ass I know,’” Donald Trump Jr. remarked.
Despite the initial relief, there was also a moment of levity when he inquired about his father’s iconic hair. Trump responded humorously, assuring his son it was fine despite some blood. This blend of fear, relief, and humor characterized Donald Trump Jr.’s recounting of the incident.
The assassination attempt has significantly impacted the atmosphere at the RNC. Security measures have been visibly heightened, with boat patrols on the Milwaukee River and increased police presence. The heightened security underscores the importance of protecting public figures and maintaining public safety, a theme former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson emphasized in an on-the-street interview near Fiserv Forum. Hutchinson pointed out the symbolic strength displayed by Trump in the wake of the attack, highlighting the resilience and defiance that many Americans associate with the former president.
Meanwhile, the RNC stage set up for protesters in the public zone saw little engagement. Despite over 100 sign-ups, the no-show rate exceeded 80%. Only a few speakers, including an 82-year-old Trump supporter, addressed the sparse audience. This lack of turnout contrasts with the planned demonstrations by protest groups who have shifted their focus to the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
In another significant development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley spoke to the RNC, signaling party unity by featuring two of Trump’s former rivals turned supporters. Additionally, Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, are expected to appear each night of the convention, culminating in a speech by Trump on the final evening.
The Secret Service has come under scrutiny following the assassination attempt, with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green demanding top leaders from the Secret Service, FBI, and Homeland Security testify. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle acknowledged the challenge of preventing such incidents and reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding former presidents.
As the RNC continues, the themes of security, resilience, and party unity remain at the forefront, reflecting the turbulent political landscape and the enduring impact of recent events.
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