At a town hall event in Flint, Michigan, former President Donald Trump reflected on recent assassination attempts against him, “only consequential presidents get shot at.”
Speaking to a crowd at the Dort Financial Center, Trump addressed the dangers of running for office and described the recent attempt on his life while playing golf in Florida as part of a series of threats he has faced.
The latest incident occurred when Secret Service agents spotted 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh hiding in the brush with a rifle, positioned near the Trump International Golf Club.
The former president, who was about 300-500 yards away from the gunman, was uninjured. This marked the second attempt on Trump’s life in recent months, following a close call in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear during a rally.
“You wonder why I get shot at right. You know, only consequential presidents get shot at,” Trump quipped during the town hall.
He went on to highlight the inherent risks of being president, comparing the danger to other high-risk activities such as race car driving and bull riding. “It’s a dangerous business,” he remarked, before reiterating his belief that protecting the presidency and candidates is a priority.
During the event, Trump expressed gratitude for the quick response by the Secret Service in handling both recent attempts on his life. He praised their vigilance, stating, “These guys do a great job.”
However, Trump noted a need for more manpower within the agency, referencing long-standing requests for additional agents to secure his events. In Butler, where the first attempt occurred, he reflected on the lack of security personnel, stating, “Somebody should have been on that building.”
Trump also praised a bystander who helped identify the golf course gunman by noting the assailant’s license plate, allowing law enforcement to quickly apprehend him. “See, women are smarter than men,” Trump joked. “I’d like to meet her. I’m going to meet her, I hope.”
Aside from addressing personal security concerns, Trump used the Michigan town hall to speak on key issues facing the state, such as inflation and the future of the auto industry.
He warned that Michigan’s auto industry could collapse within a few years if his policies aren’t adopted, specifically calling out the rise of Chinese electric vehicle production in Mexico.
Trump promised to impose a 200% tariff on Chinese-made cars imported into the U.S. to protect American workers.
Trump’s Michigan appearance comes as polls show a tight race between him and Vice President Kamala Harris in this critical swing state, with RealClearPolitics reporting Harris holding less than a one-point lead.
Michigan, which Trump narrowly won in 2016 but lost in 2020, remains a focal point in his campaign.
Trump concluded his speech by discussing the broader implications of leadership and bravery in the presidency.
He referenced historical assassination attempts on past U.S. presidents, including Lincoln, Kennedy, and Reagan, positioning himself within the context of “consequential” leadership. “We have to be brave. Otherwise, we’re not going to have a country left,” he stated.
With two assassination attempts behind him, Trump noted that the dangers won’t deter him from seeking a second term.