Trump echoes Reagan when he says ‘only God’ saved his life and evil will never win after he survived assassination attempt

Trump writes in Truth Social:

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was only God who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will NOT FEAR, but will stand firm in our faith and defiant in the face of evil.

Our sympathy goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of the injured and carry in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was murdered in such a horrible manner. At this time, it is more important than ever that we stand together and show our true character as Americans by remaining strong and determined and not allowing evil to triumph.

I truly love our country, and I love all of you, and I look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.

After he was shot in 1981, Reagan wrote in his diary:

Whatever happens now, I owe my life to God and I will try to serve Him in any way I can.

But I realized that I couldn’t ask God for help and at the same time feel hatred for the confused young man who had shot me. Isn’t that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all children of God and therefore loved by Him equally. I began to pray for his soul and for him to find his way back to the flock.

By Rob Crilly, US Chief Political Correspondent

Trump’s top two campaign officials sent a memo this morning saying the convention in Milwaukee will go ahead as planned but warning staff to be extra vigilant in the coming days.

Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles say the former president is in “great spirits”

They thank emergency services and the Secret Service, and urge their team to stay away from the office for 24 hours while additional security is added.

We are reinforcing the armed security presence with officers on-site 24/7. Additional security assessments will be conducted. Our top priority is to keep all members of this staff safe. We also urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. If anything seems or feels out of place, please report it immediately to leadership or the on-site security team. Please do not make public comments about what occurred today. We condemn all forms of violence and will not tolerate dangerous rhetoric on social media.

From senior US politics reporter Charlie Spiering in Bethel Park, PA

Mike, a Bethel Park area resident, said: Daily Mail.com He was shocked to wake up to find police tape cordoning off his house.

He said he was watching television at home when he heard the news.

“It’s not good,” he said. “It’s crazy.”

He said he received a text message from a friend telling him the shooter was from Bethel Park.

“I’m still in shock,” said Mike, a Trump supporter. “I’m glad he’s okay, I guess the bullet grazed his ear.”

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior Political Reporter

Donors have contributed more than $265,000 for a GoFundMe to support the families of the injured and deceased caught in the crossfire of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

The fundraiser is authorized by the Trump campaign and more than 3,700 people have contributed.

A description of the GoFundMe notes:

President Donald Trump has authorized this account for donations to be made to the supporters and families of those injured or killed in today’s brutal and horrendous assassination attempt. All donations will go to these proud Americans as they suffer and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.

A gunman shot Trump during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday afternoon, as the former president prepares to head to Milwaukee for the Republican Convention this week.

Charlie Spiering of DailyMail.com reports: