Ivanka Trump has spoken out following the shocking incident where her father, Donald Trump, was shot at during a rally, stating, “I love you, Dad, today and always.” Donald Trump’s eldest daughter took to social media to express her gratitude for the support and well-wishes for her father and other victims of the day’s horrific events in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Ivanka wrote, “Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania.” She added, “Grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country.”
This statement comes after remarks from Donald Trump Jr., who said his dad “is in great spirits” after the suspected assassination bid at the Saturday evening rally. Chatting with his dad via phone as he underwent treatment at a local medical facility, Donald Jr. confidently stated, “He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him,” reports the Mirror US.
In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, it has been confirmed that two individuals, including the suspected shooter, have died, with another person currently fighting for their life in critical condition at the hospital. Insider reports claim that Trump, now aged 78, has been discharged from the hospital.
The attack occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump visited prior to the upcoming Republican National Committee meeting in Wisconsin. During Trump’s speech, a startling popping noise interrupted the event. The ex-president defensively placed his right hand near his ear, as attendees behind him looked on, shock written across their faces. Three security agents immediately threw themselves over Trump in a protective maneuver.
The sound resembling gunshots persisted a few more instances even as the agents shielded him, causing panic and screams among the crowd. The police have stated that they are treating the shooting as an assassination attempt. The attacker, who was subsequently killed by the Secret Service, marks the first assassination attempt on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
The dangers of campaigning became more apparent following the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in California in 1968, and again in 1972 when Arthur Bremer shot and seriously injured George Wallace, who was running as an independent with a campaign platform often compared to Trump’s. This led to heightened security for candidates, even though threats continued, notably against Jesse Jackson in 1988 and Barack Obama in 2008.
Presidents, especially after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, have even more layers of security. Trump is unique as both a former president and a current candidate.