Former President Trump paid tribute to firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed in last week's assassination attempt on Trump, calling him a "fine man" and a "human shield" who protected his family. Trump also recounted the assassination attempt in great detail, describing the moment he was shot, the bravery of attendees who stood their ground, and the love he felt.
Former President Donald Trump addressed the Republican National Convention on Thursday in Milwaukee, his first speech since the assassination attempt last week. In a somber and emotional address, Trump paid tribute to fallen firefighter Corey Comperatore, recounted the assassination attempt, and praised his wife Melania's call for unity.
Trump began his speech by recounting the assassination attempt, describing how he heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit him on the right ear.
Trump Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter, Recounts Assassination Attempt in RNC Speech
"I said to myself, 'Wow, what was that—it can only be a bullet,'—and moved my right hand to my ear, brought it down, and my hand was covered with blood, just blood all over the place," Trump recalled. "I immediately knew it was very serious, that we were under attack, and in one movement, proceeded to drop to the ground."
Trump continued, describing how he felt "very safe" because he had God on his side, and how the amazing thing was that if he had not moved his head at the very last instant, the assassin's bullet would have perfectly hit its mark.
Trump Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter, Recounts Assassination Attempt in RNC Speech
Trump praised the attendees at the rally, who did not "run for the exits or stampede" despite shots ringing out, but instead stood by and helped to save lives.
"But that isn’t the reason they didn’t move—the reason is that they knew I was in serious trouble, they saw all of the blood, and thought I was dead, and they just didn’t want to leave me, and you can see that love written all over their faces," he said.
Trump Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter, Recounts Assassination Attempt in RNC Speech
Trump then paid tribute to Comperatore, who was killed in the assassination attempt while shielding his wife and daughters from gunfire.
"Corey, a highly respected former fire chief... was accompanied by his wife Helen... and two precious daughters. He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets... what a fine man he was," Trump said.
Trump Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter, Recounts Assassination Attempt in RNC Speech
Trump asked for a moment of silence in Comperatore's memory, and walked over to kiss his firefighting helmet, which was placed on stage next to him.
Trump also took a moment to praise his wife Melania, saying he was "deeply honored to be joined by my amazing wife." He referred to her letter to America, in which she called for unity in the wake of the assassination attempt against her husband.
Trump Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighter, Recounts Assassination Attempt in RNC Speech
"And Melania, thank you very much. You also did something really beautiful. A letter to America calling for national unity. And it really took the Republican Party by surprise. I will tell you, it was beautiful,' he said.
Trump displayed a chart showing the number of illegal immigrant crossings into the U.S. that had been on display during his speech in Butler, Pa., and that he turned his head to look at as a gunman opened fire.
" Last time I put up that chart, I never really got to look at it," he said to laughs from the crowd. "But without that chart, I would not be here today."
Trump used President Biden's name once during his speech, saying that if you took the ten worst presidents in U.S. history and added them up, they would not have done the damage that Biden has done.
Trump ended his speech by saying that "there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others." He said that this is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness.
