Former President Donald Trump revealed in an interview earlier this week that his wife, Melania Trump, has been deeply affected by the recent assassination attempt on his life. Trump mentioned during the interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham that Melania had witnessed the incident unfold live and is now finding it difficult to discuss.
“She was watching live. She can’t really even talk about it, which is OK. That means she likes me. She loves me,” Trump said. He further shared Melania’s immediate reaction when he went down after being shot, saying, “she thought the worst had happened because I went down and grabbed my ear and my hand was loaded up with blood.”
The attempt on Trump’s life was carried out by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was swiftly neutralized by the Secret Service. Tragically, a rallygoer lost their life, and two others were injured in the shooting. Thankfully, both the injured individuals have now been released from the hospital.
However, the Secret Service has come under scrutiny for the security lapse that allowed Crooks to scale the roof of the building and open fire. Questions have been raised about the agency’s communication with local law enforcement and their failure to track the assailant despite prior warnings.
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the Secret Service’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for better communication and acknowledging that there were visible signs of the assailant’s disturbed mindset.
Regarding future rallies, Trump made it clear that he will not be heeding the Secret Service’s recommendation to refrain from holding outdoor events. He stated that he views these rallies as important symbols and intends to continue them, including one in Butler.
The Secret Service has also undergone leadership changes, with Ronald Rowe stepping in as the acting Director, replacing Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned amidst intense questioning during a House hearing. The hearing coincided with the FBI’s release of new details about their investigation, including Crooks’ online activities, which revealed his interest in mass shootings, power plants, improvised explosive devices, and the attempted assassination of the Slovakian prime minister in May.
The incident has left Melania Trump deeply affected, rendering her unable to discuss the matter at length. As her husband continues to address the security concerns and plan for future rallies, support and understanding for Melania’s emotional well-being during this challenging time are paramount.