Donald Trump says he has changed his upcoming speech to the Republican National Convention after the attempt on his life.
The former president arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the convention a day after gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at him from a roof during a campaign rally.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner during a flight on Saturday evening, Trump said: “The speech I was going to give on Thursday was going to be a humdinger.
“Had [the assassination attempt] not happened, this would’ve been one of the most incredible speeches” aimed mostly at the policies of President Joe Biden, he said.
“Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now” and will be a message of unity for the country and world, according to Trump.
His plane landed at Milwaukee airport on Sunday evening. He raised a fist on the stairs before travelling in his motorcade, cheered on by supporters, to a hotel.
Trump said on his Truth Social site earlier on Sunday that he was going to delay his trip by two days because of the attempted assassination “but have just decided that I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else”.
In another post, he said: “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.”
Trump was shot in the ear in the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, which left one audience member dead and two others injured.
The Secret Service said it killed the gunman.
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Talking about the shock of what had happened, Trump told the Washington Examiner: “That reality is just setting in.
“I rarely look away from the crowd. Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today would we?”
Trump is due to receive his party’s formal nomination at the Republican National Convention, which kicks off on Monday and will see thousands of Republicans coming together.
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The FBI said there were no known threats to the convention or anyone attending, while the Secret Service said it did not anticipate any changes to the security plan.
Preparations for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Pic: AP
The convention will feature televised speeches by rising Republican stars and Trump’s choice for a yet-to-be-announced vice presidential running mate, while highlighting the party’s stance on such topics as abortion, immigration and the economy.
Supporters line the streets to welcome Trump and his motorcade. Pic: AP
Trump is not expected to speak at the event until Thursday night.