GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Former President Donald Trump was in Grand Rapids on Saturday for his first campaign rally since the assassination attempt one week ago.
Thousands of supporters stood in line for hours to get inside Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids.
By the time Trump took the stage, the arena was at capacity, with at least 12,000 seats filled.
“This is like a Michigan football game,” Trump said.
From the start, Trump acknowledged the assassination attempt.
“One week ago, I took a bullet for democracy,” he said.
The rally also marked Trump’s first joint appearance with his newly announced running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance.
Vance, a first-term senator from Ohio, talked about the importance of Michigan in this race.
“I heard some ‘O-H’s,’ but I’m going to respect Michigan and not respond,” Vance said. “My fellow Ohio brethren, we’ve got to win Michigan. That’s the most important thing this election cycle.”
During Trump’s remarks, Republican businessman Sandy Pensler came on stage and announced the end of his run for U.S. Senate. Pensler went on to endorse his opponent, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers.
Rogers was also on stage and talked about his alignment with Trump’s policies and vision for America.