Former First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare and emotional statement following the attempted assassination of her husband, former President Donald Trump. In a heartfelt two-page message, she expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the Secret Service, offered condolences to the victims of the attack, and highlighted her husband's personal qualities. She also called for national unity in the face of political violence.
"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," Melania Trump wrote. "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."
The former First Lady, who has been largely absent from the public eye during this campaign cycle, took this moment to speak out about the incident that nearly took her husband's life. Her statement is one of the few occasions where she has publicly shared her perspective on their relationship.
"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," she wrote. "The core facets of my husband's life-his human side-were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times."
In her statement, Melania Trump urged Americans to look beyond political divisions and come together with love, compassion, kindness, and empathy. "American politics are only one vehicle that can uplift our communities," she said. "Love, compassion, kindness, and empathy are necessities. And 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 continued, "This morning, ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence. For those of you who cry in support, I thank you. I commend those of you who have reached out beyond the political divide-thank you for remembering that every single politician is a man or woman with a loving family."
The attempted assassination occurred at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire while Trump was on stage, grazing his right ear. The Secret Service quickly neutralized the shooter, who was killed at the scene. The attack resulted in the death of a bystander and left others injured.
In a statement on Sunday, former President Trump called on the nation to remain strong and united. "Show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win," he urged.
Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, also expressed her gratitude for the public's support. In a social media post, she mentioned her late mother, Ivana Trump, suggesting that she was watching over her father during the attack. "I miss her every day and pray for the safety of the family and friends she left behind," she wrote.
Donald Trump Jr. reiterated his father's resilience and commitment to his political mission. "He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him," he stated on Saturday.
Melania Trump is expected to attend the Republican National Convention next week, although she is not currently on the speaking schedule. Her statement underscores the personal toll of political violence and her hope for a more united America.
