Melania Trump , the former First Lady who has been largely absent from public, broke her silence after Donald Trump ‘s alleged assassination attempt at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania . On social media , she penned, “America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered. But our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one. When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life were on the brink of devastating change.” The former First Lady also denounced the shooter as a ‘monster’ who failed to see her husband’s humanity.
She continued, “A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion – his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband’s life – his human side – were buried below the political machine.” The shooting left one bystander dead and two others injured. Donald himself suffered a graze wound to his right ear. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by law enforcement at the scene, as per ABC News .
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) July 14, 2024
Melania subsequently expressed gratitude to those who protected her husband and offered condolences to the victims’ families. “I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband. To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincerest sympathy.”
“Thank you for remembering that every single politician is a man or woman with a loving family.” Former first lady Melania Trump commented on social media on the assassination attempt of former Pres. Donald Trump. https://t.co/F8ZvnAP0Rl pic.twitter.com/HEYi6RpYfI
— ABC News (@ABC) July 15, 2024
Additionally, Melania sought to remind people of shared values beyond political affiliations. “Let us remember that when the time comes to look beyond the Left and the Right, beyond the red and the blue, we all come from families with the passion to fight for a better life together, while we are here, in this earthly realm.” She called on Americans to prioritize respect and love over political differences. “We all want a world where respect is paramount, family is first, and love transcends. We can realize this world again. Each of us must demand to get it back. We must insist that respect fills the cornerstone of our relationships again.”
Melania concluded her statement with a powerful call for unity and healing. “This morning, ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence. Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love.”
Throughout Donald’s re-election campaign and his hush-money case, the former First Lady has kept a low profile. She is anticipated to attend the forthcoming Republican National Convention, although it is uncertain whether she will speak, as per Mediaite .
Meanwhile, undeterred, Donald plans to move ahead with the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week but has allegedly changed his speech from one attacking Biden’s policies to one that reflects on the shooting. The incident may impact the tone of the campaign moving forward.