Former President Donald Trump recounted surviving an assassination attempt while playing golf at his private course in Florida during a town hall event in Flint, Michigan.

Speaking at the Dort Financial Center, Trump shared details of the alarming Sunday incident and discussed a range of political issues as he marked his first campaign stop since the attack, as Fox News reports.

The attempt on Trump’s life occurred on Sunday while he was playing golf, making it the second such event in just over two months.

According to Secret Service reports, the gunman, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was spotted with a rifle and scope concealed in the brush. Trump, who was approximately 300 to 500 yards away at the time, was unharmed after agents intervened and fired at the assailant.

Trump Reflects On Assassination Attempts

During the event, Trump commented on the increasing dangers of being a political figure. He mentioned the risks he has faced over the last few months, emphasizing that these threats are unique to significant political figures.

"You wonder why I got shot at right. You know, only consequential presidents get shot at right," Trump said, adding that being president is inherently dangerous. He humorously compared the role to other risky activities, saying, "They think race car driving is dangerous. No, they think bull riding. That’s pretty scary, right? No, this is a dangerous business, and we have to keep it safe."

This incident was the second time in recent months Trump has faced an attempt on his life. In a previous attempt, Trump was grazed in the ear by a bullet during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, further highlighting the threats he faces as a high-profile political figure.

Michigan Campaign Stop Highlights Key Issues

The town hall event in Flint marked Trump’s first public appearance following the latest assassination attempt. The event included discussions about pressing political issues, such as inflation and the challenges facing Michigan's auto industry. Trump warned voters that the future of the state’s iconic industry was in jeopardy unless he wins the upcoming election.

"I’ll say this for Michigan, if I don’t win, you will have no auto industry within two to three years," Trump said. He blamed the potential downfall on competition from China and the rising dominance of electric cars, pointing out that China has access to critical materials that the U.S. lacks.

Michigan's Role As Swing State

Trump’s focus on Michigan is strategic, given the state’s status as a critical swing state in the election. In 2016, Trump won Michigan by a slim margin of less than one percentage point, only to lose it in 2020 to President Joe Biden by a similarly narrow margin of less than three percentage points.

Polls indicate a tight race in Michigan ahead of the upcoming election, with Vice President Kamala Harris holding a slight edge over Trump, leading by less than one percentage point according to the Real Clear Politics polling average.

Trump’s Critique of Kamala Harris

In addition to discussing his own experiences, Trump used the Michigan event to criticize Vice President Harris. He targeted her approach to the auto industry, expressing concerns that her policies would contribute to the industry’s decline. He urged Michigan voters to consider the impact of current political leadership on their jobs and economy.

Throughout the event, Trump drew attention to what he perceives as a lack of strong leadership from Harris, tying it to broader national concerns about economic competition from China.

Assassination Attempts Spark Campaign Concerns

As Trump continues to campaign amid heightened security concerns, the increasing frequency of assassination attempts raises questions about safety on the campaign trail. Despite the risks, Trump remains steadfast in his presidential bid, emphasizing that he is committed to continuing his campaign efforts.

Both assassination attempts have highlighted the dangers facing political leaders in the modern era, with Trump using these incidents to argue for stronger security measures and vigilance in protecting national leaders.

Conclusion: Trump’s Campaign Continues Amid Threats

In conclusion, Trump’s appearance in Flint, Michigan, marked not only his first campaign stop since the latest assassination attempt but also a platform for discussing key issues like the future of Michigan’s auto industry and the broader political landscape.

The former president remains focused on his 2024 campaign, using both his personal experiences and policy critiques to connect with voters in critical swing states.

As the election draws closer, Michigan’s importance as a battleground state is evident, with Trump’s warnings about the state’s future resonating with voters.