FLINT, Mich. — Former President Donald Trump addressed a packed arena in Flint on Tuesday night, joking about the perils of being president while rallying support after a recent assassination attempt.
“It’s a dangerous business, however, being president. It’s a little bit dangerous," he quipped, referring to the heightened security concerns surrounding his campaign. This event marked his first public appearance since an alleged gunman was arrested for creating a makeshift sniper's nest outside his golf course in West Palm Beach, Fla.
The crowd, filled with both excitement and concern, welcomed Trump back to the campaign trail following the arrest of the suspect, Ryan Routh, 58, who was apprehended after local police received tips about his vehicle from a vigilant bystander.
Doug Altman, a 76-year-old campaign volunteer, expressed his commitment to ensuring Trump's safety over the next 50 days leading up to the election. “He’s gotta continue to get out and talk to the people... I don’t want anything to happen to my president,” Altman said.
During the rally, Trump emphasized the challenges of his pursuit of the presidency, likening it to the risks of race car driving or bull riding. He also highlighted his recent brushes with danger as proof of his qualifications for leadership, joking, “You know, only consequential presidents get shot at.”
The event featured discussions on Trump's administration's achievements and criticisms of President Biden's policies, particularly regarding the economy, inflation, and immigration. He presented a "Day One" agenda focused on border security and energy development, avoiding his earlier controversial remarks about wanting to be a "dictator."
Trump made light of his opponent Vice President Kamala Harris's policies, asserting that nuclear threats outweigh climate concerns, while humorously suggesting that global warming would create "more seafront property" for Michigan.
As the rally continued, Trump detailed the recent security incident, crediting a female witness for her swift action in reporting the suspect. "Women are smarter than men," he remarked, drawing laughter from the audience.
Among the supporters were Ana and Chad Watanabe, who flew in from Salt Lake City to show their backing. Ana, who lost her job as a pilot recruiter, expressed hope that a Trump presidency would revive the job market. “Our families are everything to us... President Trump is gonna make sure that our families and our country as a whole is going to be okay,” she said.
The atmosphere in Flint was charged with commitment as attendees expressed their determination to protect their candidate. Altman emphasized that no matter the gun laws, determined individuals will always find ways to obtain firearms, reinforcing the reality of ongoing security challenges.
As the rally concluded, Trump's campaign showed no signs of slowing down, with supporters eager to bolster his bid for a return to the White House.
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