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.
Trump 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.
It’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.
Follow The Post’s latest stories on the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump:
- Trump says he ‘felt the bullet ripping through my skin’ in first statement since assassination attempt
- Former President Trump ‘inches away from having his face shot open’ by assassin’s bullet during Pa. rally; sniper killed: sources
- Gunman behind attempted assassination on Trump had head blown off by Secret Service, sources say; rally-goer killed
- Witnesses frantically tried to warn police of rifle-carrying sniper on roof before Trump assassination attempt
- Trump sees outpouring of support after assassination attempt at rally stop
Keep up to date on updates with the Post’s live blog on the assassination attempt on Trump
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 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 apparent Trump assassination attempt
- Former President Donald Trump was targeted by a shooter during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania
- Trump’s face was grazed by a bullet during the shooting
- The gunman and one bystander have been killed
- President Biden addressed the nation and referred to the shooting as sick, saying he “tried to get ahold of Donald”
Keep up to date on updates with the Post’s live blog on the assassination attempt on Trump
“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.
While 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.