RNC Day 4: Trump delivers longest acceptance speech in history

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Last updated: Friday, July 19, 2024 4:39AM GMT
Trump pitches unity, but revives old grievances in nomination acceptance speech
Former President Donald Trump pitched unity but revived old grievances in his nomination acceptance speech.

MILWAUKEE -- On the fourth and final day of the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump gave a highly anticipated speech, which he said beforehand would call for unity following his assassination attempt.

However in his first speech since the incident, Trump leaned into his usual talking points, slamming President Joe Biden, Democrats and other critics on a wide variety of issues from the economy, immigration and crime.

For over an hour, Trump went off script much to the crowd's delight. The former president told them he was grateful for their support after his brush with death but argued that the country needed to be fixed due to Biden's policies.

The night also included wild speeches from guests such as Hulk Hogan and Eric Trump, who echoed some of the former president's rhetoric bashing Biden and the Democrats.

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Here's how the news is developing.
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Jul 19, 2024, 2:56 AM GMT

Trump addresses shooting victims

Near Trump on the stage is the firefighting gear, including the helmet and jacket, that belonged to Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the attempted assassination on the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"Tragically the shooter claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore -- an unbelievable person, everyone tells me -- and seriously wounded two other great warriors," he said.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump kisses the helmet of Corey Comperatore during the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump kisses the helmet of Corey Comperatore during the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

He called them "serious Trumpsters" and said he's spoken to their families.

Trump announced on stage that over $6.3 million was raised for the victims shot during Saturday's rally.

"When speaking to the family, I told them, we will be sending you a lot of money but it cannot compensate. They all said the same thing," he said.

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Jul 19, 2024, 2:52 AM GMT

'I'm not supposed to be here tonight'

Trump told the crowd, "I'm not supposed to be here tonight."

The crowd started chanting, "Yes you are."

"I stand before you this arena only by the grace of Almighty God," he said.

Some in the audience are growing emotional as Trump speaks.

A woman seated next to ABC News Digital began sobbing as Trump spoke about how he's "not supposed to be here tonight."

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Jul 19, 2024, 2:49 AM GMT

Trump praises rally crowd for not running after shooting

Trump talked about how the crowd at the Pennsylvania rally did not flee or panic during the shooting.

"In fact, many of them bravely, but automatically, stood up looking for where the sniper would be. they knew immediately it was a sniper, and then began pointing at him. You can see that if you look at the group behind me," he said. "Nobody ran, and by not stampeding, many lives were saved."

"This beautiful crowd, they didn't want to leave me, they knew I was trouble, they didn't want to leave me," he added.

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Jul 19, 2024, 2:48 AM GMT

Trump on assassination attempt: 'I had God on my side'

Trump recounted the moments he realized he was shot to a hushed crowd.

"I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear," he said. "I said to myself, wow what was that? It can only be a bullet."

"My hand was covered with blood. Just blood absolutely all over the place," he said.

He said he "immediately" knew it was serious and the "brave" Secret Service agents rushed to the stage, with the crowd clapping.

If had moved slightly differently, he said, "I would not be here tonight."

"I had God on my side," he said.