Melania Trump shared an emotional statement about the failed attempt to assassinate her husband, former U.S. president Donald Trump.
The former first lady condemned the shooter as a "monster" who saw her husband as an "inhuman political machine" rather than a man with a loving family. The remarkable statement is a rare example of vulnerability from the former first lady, who is known for keeping her personal life private.
Melania described her reaction to witnessing a bullet graze her husband's ear, nearly killing him.
“When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change,” she said in the statement.
In the heartfelt post, Melania opened up about the things she admires about her "generous and caring" husband.
"A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion - his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration,” Melania Trump wrote.
“The core facets of my husband's life - his human side - were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times.”
Melania also shared her sadness for the other victims of the shooting.
A 50-year-old father, Corey Comperatore, was killed protecting his family, and two others were critically injured.
"To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincerest sympathy. Your need to summon your inner strength for such a terrible reason saddens me," Melania Trump wrote.
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) July 14, 2024
Melania also encouraged Americans to set aside political differences and be civil with one another.
"This morning, ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence," she wrote.
"I commend those of you who have reached out beyond the political divide - thank you for remembering that every single politician is a man or woman with a loving family."
What an incredible, gracious statement from the former first lady. She just put to rest all of the nasty rumors that she doesn't really love her husband. There can be no doubt that Melania admires President Trump and is extremely upset that she almost lost him.
