In a recent development, Melania Trump, the former first lady, has spoken out about the assassination attempt on her husband, Donald Trump, urging Americans to unite in the face of adversity.
"When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barrons life, were on the brink of devastating change," Melania Trump expressed in a statement released on Sunday.
According to The Independent, Melania Trump expressed her gratitude towards the secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their lives to safeguard her husband. She further called for unity across the nation following the shooting incident at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The incident, which Trump survived, resulted in the death of one spectator and left two others critically injured.
Melania Trump, in her statement, addressed her fellow Americans, stating, "We have always been a unique union. America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered, but our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one." She went on to describe the assailant as a "monster" who saw her husband as an "inhuman political machine" and attempted to extinguish his passion and inspiration.
The former first lady painted a picture of her husband as a "generous and caring man" with whom she has shared both the best and worst times. She lamented that the "core facets" of her husband's life, his human side, were overshadowed by his political persona.
The alleged shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, reportedly opened fire from the rooftop of a nearby building just outside the rally's parameters. Trump was approximately 15 minutes into his speech when a series of shots disrupted the event. Trump was quickly escorted offstage by Secret Service agents after a bullet grazed his ear.
In the aftermath of the incident, Trump expressed his gratitude to God for averting a potential catastrophe. The incident resulted in one spectator's death and critically injured two others. The assailant was fatally shot by Secret Service agents at the scene.
Melania Trump extended her sympathies to the families of the victims affected by the shooting. "To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincerest sympathy," she wrote. She also expressed her gratitude to Americans across the political spectrum for their support following the incident.
The former first lady has been notably absent from her husband's campaign trail as he seeks to reclaim the White House in November. Despite rumors of a potential divorce and her reduced public presence since her husband's departure from the White House, Melania Trump recently hosted a fundraiser for Log Cabin Republicans in Manhattan.
Login