Former US President Donald Trump has appealed for support at his first election campaign rally since his attempted assassination one week earlier.
The event was held indoors in the battleground state of Michigan on Saturday under heightened security.
Trump said the Democrats keep saying that he is the threat to democracy. He asked what he did for democracy? He answered, “Last week, I took a bullet for democracy.”
Speaking in a state that is a hub of the US automotive industry, Trump vowed to bring back the industry.
Trump also said he had received a “beautiful note” from Chinese President Xi Jinping after he suffered a gunshot wound.
On this day, the large white gauze dressing on his right ear was replaced by a smaller flesh colored bandage.
Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, also attended the rally, making it the first one where both the presidential and vice presidential candidates appeared together.
Vance called for strengthening immigration policy. He vowed to shut down the border and make America safe for American citizens again.
The Washington Post reported that the rally was initially planned to be held outdoors, but changed to indoors after the July 13 shooting incident.
The newspaper said the Trump campaign does not expect to hold any more outdoor rallies soon.
Also on Saturday, Trump’s former physician and Congressman from Texas Ronny Jackson gave new details on the GOP nominee’s wound on his right ear.
Jackson said in a statement that the wound was 2 centimeters wide and reached the cartilage. He said the bullet came about 6 millimeters from entering Trump’s head and struck the top of his right ear.
He said there was initially significant bleeding, followed by marked swelling of the upper ear. He said the swelling has since resolved, and the wound is beginning to heal properly. He said no sutures were required.
Jackson said Trump will have further medical evaluations, including a hearing exam, as needed. He said the former president will follow up with his primary care physician.
In front of the White House, a group of about 70 demonstrators gathered on Saturday to call on President Joe Biden to step down from the presidential race.
The participants held up signs saying “Pass the Torch.”
A man in his 30s said he had driven eight hours from Michigan. He said Biden has done great things as president, and he is proud of him in many ways, but it is time to let the younger generation lead. He said it is not too late to wait until the Democratic national convention so long as they choose the best nominee.