Donald Trump visits Michigan for first rally since assassination

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan. – Former President Donald Trump was in Grand Rapids on Saturday for his first campaign rally since the assassination attempt a week ago.

Thousands of fans waited in line for hours to get into Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids.

When Trump took the stage, the arena was filled to capacity with at least 12,000 seats.

“It’s like a Michigan football game,” Trump said.

Trump admitted from the beginning that it was an assassination attempt.

“A week ago I took a bullet for democracy,” he said.

The rally also marked Trump’s first joint appearance with his newly appointed vice presidential candidate, Senator JD Vance.

Vance, a first-term senator from Ohio, spoke about Michigan’s importance in this race.

“I’ve heard some ‘OH’s,’ but I’m going to respect Michigan and not react to that,” Vance said. “My fellow Ohioans, we have to win Michigan. That’s the most important thing in this election cycle.”

During Trump’s speech, Republican businessman Sandy Pensler came on stage and announced the end of his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Pensler then endorsed his opponent, former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers.

Rogers was also on stage and spoke about his agreement with Trump’s policies and his vision for America.