(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump said Sunday that despite the assassination attempt against him on Saturday, he will continue with the Republican National Convention this week “as scheduled.”
Trump released a statement Sunday making clear he would not let the shooter delay the convention, where he is expected to be formally named the Republican party’s nominee for president.
“Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and The Republican National Convention, by two days, but have just decided that I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else,” Trump said. “Therefore, I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled, at 3:30 P.M. TODAY. Thank you!”
Going into the weekend, Trump was set to establish his hold on the Republican Party at the convention, but the assassination attempt on Saturday raised a flurry of concerns and questions about what security will now look like.
Despite the shooting, the Republican gathering to formally name the nominee will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as planned, albeit with added security.
Trump is all but certain to receive the nomination, and he is expected to name his vice presidential pick as well.
The convention is the premiere event in Republican politics, with the biggest names and most influential groups in the party expected to attend.
Several leading elected Republicans, conservative groups, grassroots leaders and more will attend hoping to rally behind Trump and defeat Democrats in the House, Senate and White House.
Just as important, though, are the roughly 2,400 delegates who will come together and are expected to solidify Trump as the party’s nominee for the presidential ticket.
Trump has already won the needed delegates by largely sweeping the primary states.
The four-day event runs Monday through Thursday and will be held in Fiserv Forum arena, although party-related events have already begun around the venue and will continue all week.
The city of Milwaukee said 50,000 people are expected to be in the city because of the event, as well as protesters.
Media reports indicate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, Tucker Carlson, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem are among those expected to speak.
Notably, Trump and his to-be-named vice president should be front and center. The shooting and VP naming should help set the tone of the race in the weeks to come.
The party is also expected to formally adopt a new platform with a notable change in the abortion issue, saying it should be decided by the states.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump released a statement thanking his supporters and hinted at his plans this week.
“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” Trump 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. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”
An event attendee was killed Saturday, in addition to the shooter. Trump was shot in the ear but is reportedly doing fine.
As The Center Square previously reported, the FBI identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the shooter.
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, as as into security filures and what could have been done to prevent the deadly incident.
A photo of Trump holding up his fist, face bloody, has gone viral online.
Both Democrats and Republicans have poured out well wishes to Trump and condemned the violence.
Biden responded to the shooting Saturday, condemning the violence and essentially suspending his campaign and ads for the time being.
“There’s no place for this kind of violence in America,” Biden said in a statement Saturday night. “We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”