JUST IN: Trump Takes The Stage For First Rally Since Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump took the stage in Grand Rapids, Michigan for his first rally since the attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania just a week earlier.

The former president was introduced by his new running mate, Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) shortly before 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. He emerged from a tunnel towards the end of the packed event venue before making his way down a platform that spanned the length of the venue.

Trump frequently paused to acknowledge supporters and raise his fist towards the crowd before making his way to the podium. He and Vance took the entirety of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA” — Trump’s signature entrance song — to acknowledge the crowd.

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The former president was not wearing the large bandage he was seen sporting over his right ear during the Republican National Convention earlier this week. It was instead replaced by a barely noticeable, skin-colored bandage.

Upon taking the stage to roaring chants of “USA,” Trump remarked that the crowd had the atmosphere of a Michigan football game. He proceeded to thank the crowd for the outpouring of love and support expressed by supporters and non-supporters alike in the wake of last Saturday’s events.

“As I said earlier this week, I stand before you only by the grace of almighty God,” Trump told the crowd. “I shouldn’t be here.”

He went on to pay tribute to slain firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died while shielding his family from gunfire when 20-year-old Matthew Crooks opened fire. “We remain in contact and send our deepest respect to the families. Corey, as you know, Corey Comperatore, was a brave firefighter who died at funeral yesterday, shielding his wife and daughters from bullets,” Trump said.

“He shielded them from the bullets of this horrendous person. Corey was a hero, and we will carry his memory in our hearts for all time. Great hero.”

Members of the audience responded with a loud cheer, following chants of “Corey, Corey.”

“And he was a big Trumper, and we will never forget him, right? We’re all together,” the former president said.

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