Trump recounts attempt on his life, then abandons unity theme in lengthy speech

Former president recounts assassination attempt before shifting tones in speech accepting Republican nomination

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, speaks during the Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Picture: AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson

Donald Trump described on Thursday how he narrowly survived an attempt on his life, telling a rapt audience at the Republican National Convention in his first speech since the attack that he was only there "by the grace of Almighty God."

"I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear," he said during a 14-minute account, a thick bandage still covering his ear. "I said to myself, 'Wow, what was that? It can only be a bullet."