Former President Donald Trump wore a bright white bandage on his wounded ear and appeared overcome by emotions Monday night during a triumphant first public appearance since being shot by a sniper during a deadly attack at a campaign rally.
Delegates at the Republican National Convention greeted Trump with loud cheers as he entered the stands in Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum when he entered the stands in Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum to a live performance of "God Bless the USA" by country singer Lee Greenwood.
Trump was uncharacteristically subdued after walking up the steps to a VIP seating area, his brow furrowed and eyes squinched when he turned to face the crowd and waved his fist.
The action repeated his response when Secret Service agents helped him to his feet after he was shot Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania.
"He is here tonight to show his courage, his defiance against somebody who tried to kill him. You will not take this man down," Greenwood said as his band continued to play. "He has the courage, the strength and he will be the next president of the United States."
Trump clapped and appeared to repeatedly say "Thank you" to his adoring audience.
Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., also appeared to fight back tears during the highly charged scene.
It came after the crowd erupted when video screens showed Trump waiting to enter the arena.
On Sunday, Trump said on his social media website that he was going to delay his trip to the convention "by two days, but have just decided that I cannot allow a 'shooter,' or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else."
In a break with tradition, Trump listened to the remainder of Monday night's speeches while sitting next to Sen. J.D. Vance, hours after announcing Vance as his running mate against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Also Monday, the convention's delegates formally nominated Trump and Vance to represent the GOP in the November election.
Trump is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech on the closing day of the convention Thursday.
