Trump Holds First Rally After Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump is set to hold his first campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, following an assassination attempt and his recent Republican nomination. Joined by his vice-presidential pick, Senator J.D. Vance, Trump aims to unify the party, amid Democratic uncertainty over President Joe Biden's candidacy.

GRAND RAPIDS, July 20 (Reuters) - Former President Donald Trump will hold his first campaign rally on Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, following a narrow escape from an assassination attempt just a week ago. This rally comes fresh off his nomination convention, where he solidified his control over the Republican Party.

Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, will appear alongside him for their first joint campaign event as the official Republican presidential ticket. During the Milwaukee nominating convention, party officials said the assassination attempt had changed Trump, who called for national unity in his acceptance speech despite reiterating his usual grievances and attacks.

On Saturday, Trump is expected to deliver another speech, the content of which remains uncertain. Diehard supporters often attend such rallies to hear his signature inflammatory rhetoric. In contrast to the unified Republican Party, the Democrats are in turmoil, with increasing calls within the party for President Joe Biden to step aside as their candidate due to his poor poll performance and debate showing against Trump.

The upcoming rally in Grand Rapids will be held indoors, unlike the previous rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman managed to breach the Secret Service perimeter, injuring Trump and killing a rally-goer. The Secret Service has declined to comment on security for the Grand Rapids event, with investigations ongoing into the security lapse at Butler.

(With inputs from agencies.)