A day following an unsuccessful assassination attempt, former US President Donald Trump declared his intention to stay "defiant" against "wickedness."
"We will fear not but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness," Trump posted on Truth Social, a social media platform he established after being banned from X.
"I truly love our country and love you all and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin," the former President added.
Trump was targeted in a shooting during an election rally on Saturday, just a day before the Republican Party's convention, where he is expected to be officially nominated for the presidency.
The former President is currently recuperating at his New Jersey home, having traveled there from Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
President Joe Biden, who reached out to Trump following the incident, condemned the violence, stating there is no place for such acts in the US.
"It's sick. It's sick. It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow this to be happening. We cannot be like this," Biden remarked.
The FBI identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was neutralized by US Secret Service snipers. The Secret Service is responsible for protecting current and former US presidents and their immediate families.
Media reports indicate that Crooks was a registered Republican but had made a $15 donation to a liberal voter mobilization group in 2021.
"In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allow evil to win," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday morning.
His campaign leaders, Chris Lacivita and Susie Wile, issued a memo to staff: "Please do not comment publicly on the occurrence of today. We condemn all forms of violence, and will not tolerate dangerous rhetoric on social media."
Political violence has emerged as a new threat in US politics. Trump's supporters attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. This event resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including police officers.
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