Trump accepts GOP nomination for president, describes assassination attempt

(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump accepted the GOP nomination for President Thursday night, less than a week after surviving an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Concluding the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he laid out his policy priorities and described in detail the attack that nearly killed him at a campaign rally Saturday in Pennsylvania.

“I stand before you this evening with a message of confidence, strength, and hope,” Trump said to begin the speech. “Four months from now, we will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country.”

Trump went on to formally accept the nomination as the Republican presidential candidate, the culmination of a dominant primary race for the former president.

As Trump spoke, speculation swirled in unconfirmed media reports that President Joe Biden was considering stepping out of the race amid concerns over his age and deteriorating health.

“Together, we will launch a new era of safety, prosperity and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed,” Trump said.

Trump went on to share details of the Saturday rally in Butler County, Pa., where the assassination attempt took place. Trump explained how he turned his head to see a chart behind him, how he heard “a loud whizzing sound” and the impact on his right ear.

“As you already know, the assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of taking my life,” Trump continued. “So many people have asked me what happened … and therefore, I’ll tell you what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time, because it’s too painful to tell.”

“My hand was covered with blood,” Trump said.

Trump described his experience surviving the assassination attempt, including how he raised his right arm and began shouting “Fight!”

He also praised the crowd at the rally for not running in fear.

“They saw me go down,” he said. “They saw the blood … this beautiful crowd, they didn’t want to leave me. They knew I was in trouble. They didn’t want to leave me. Incredible people.”

Trump made the comments at the Fiserv Forum, amidst heavy security, to a crowd of party insiders and delegates.

Multiple media outlets have reported that Biden is considering leaving the race in the next few days after pressure from his own party, adding to the surreal atmosphere after last weekend’s violent attack.