As reported by Daily Mail, Trump described Melania's emotional response to witnessing the assassination attempt live on television.
During an interview, Donald Trump revealed how Melania Trump reacted to the assassination attempt by Thomas Matthew Crooks on July 13. Melania watched the event live on television and was so deeply affected that she could not speak about it. Trump shared these details in a conversation with Laura Ingraham, expressing that Melania’s silence signifies her profound care for him.
The Secret Service's dramatic response led Melania to believe the worst had occurred. Trump expressed sympathy for the agents despite their failure to prevent the attack and acknowledged the bravery they displayed during the incident. Following the event, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, taking responsibility for the security lapse.
Trump praised the counter-sniper who eliminated Crooks but criticized the delay in response. He highlighted the repeated warnings about Crooks' suspicious behavior prior to the attack, which went unheeded by the agents. The incident has sparked significant scrutiny over the Secret Service's preparedness and protocols.
On the day of the rally, Crooks' father reported his son missing after he failed to return from a gun range. Crooks arrived at the rally three hours before opening fire and was seen carrying a rangefinder, raising suspicions that were not acted upon. Crooks managed to climb onto a roof and shot Trump, also killing retired volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore.
The FBI's assessment concluded that Crooks acted alone. FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that Crooks had researched Lee Harvey Oswald and even flew a drone near the stage before the shooting. Trump is set to provide a 'victim statement' to the FBI as part of the ongoing investigation.
Trump shared that Melania's inability to discuss the event underscores her emotional turmoil. He recalled her watching the chaotic scene on television and fearing the worst. Trump's remarks shed light on the personal toll the assassination attempt has taken on his family.
She can't even really talk about it. That's okay, that means she likes me -- she loves me. She could talk about it freely, I'm not so sure which is better. She either likes or loves me, that's nice.
Melania's reaction adds a poignant layer to the already tense and tragic incident. Her silence serves as a testament to the gravity of the situation and the personal impact it had on her.
The incident has led to questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service's procedures. Despite multiple warnings about Crooks, the agents failed to act in time. This failure prompted Kimberly Cheatle's resignation and has sparked calls for accountability before Congress.
Crooks had told his boss he needed the day off and left a chilling message that he would return on Sunday. Despite this and other warning signs, security measures were not adequately enforced. The lapse in security has led to a broader discussion about the need for improved protocols and better communication among security agencies.
Trump's account of the assassination attempt and Melania's reaction highlights the emotional and operational fallout from the event. The resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and the ongoing FBI investigation underscore the seriousness of the security breach. As Trump prepares to provide his 'victim statement,' the incident continues to raise questions about the preparedness and effectiveness of those tasked with protecting public figures.
Melania Trump's reaction adds a deeply personal perspective to the public narrative. Her silence is a powerful indicator of the event's impact on her and her family. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring such a breach does not occur again.
