Trump Appears in Public for First Time After Assassination Attempt with Bandaged Ear

Former U.S. President and Republican candidate Donald Trump has made his first public appearance since the assassination attempt. He took the stage with a bandaged ear in Milwaukee before delegates at the Republican Party convention, according to the Washington Post.

Attendees cheered and chanted “Fight! Fight!” as he raised his fist, recalling the moments after the shooting during his rally. The political figure saluted the delegates with a clenched fist and expressed his gratitude to them.

Trump performed under the tune of Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A,” which features the line, “I thank my lucky stars that I’m livin’ here today,” as noted by the New York Times. The assassination attempt on Trump occurred on Saturday, July 13, when a Pennsylvania resident shot at the political figure eight times while he was speaking to supporters at the rally. One bullet hit Trump in his right ear, resulting in one audience member’s death and two others were wounded. The assailant was shot dead by Secret Service agents.

Trump received a call from current President Joe Biden. The Republican described the conversation as “wonderful” and referred to the state leader as “very cordial.” In his view, the presidential race is expected to become more civilized as a result. Biden agreed that the conversation was heartfelt.

Experts believe that the assassination attempt will bolster Trump’s image as a victim, and a photograph of him raising his fist while his face is still stained with blood is likely to become iconic. Republicans consider that the incident may propel him to the White House. “He just won the election,” said House member Derrick Van Orden.