Michiana residents make trip up to Grand Rapids for Trump’s first rally following assassination attempt

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Thousands wrapped around the Van Andel Arena waiting to get through security, and into Trump’s first rallying following a failed assassination attempt just one week ago.

Trump addressed the crowd at five Saturday evening, but some die hard supporters even camped out overnight, others wearing ear patches in solidarity with the former president, and chanting “Fight. Fight. Fight.”, Trump’s words as he was escorted off the stage after a gunman’s bullet grazed his ear in Pennsylvania last Saturday.

Among those who made the trip up from across Michiana, was Ben Ruiz, a candidate for state representative in Lake County, that
will be on the ballot this November.

He says he’s supported Trump since day one of his campaign, and that support has only grown since last week’s events which is why he made the trip across state lines.

“Yeah, I was. I think it was a decision that I made following the last rally that President Trump had where they attempted to assassinate him and unfortunately killed other individuals... innocent bystanders that were supporters of President Trump. I think that encouraged me more to become more supportive,” said Ruiz.

ABC57 met up with an Elkhart man, who said this will be his first time voting in an election, and Saturday’s rally could determine his decision in November.

“I think it might be a make-or-break situation. I’ve always been kind of in the middle, I’ve never really gotten into politics, just because I’ve never really seen it affect me. But after these last few years and how everything is,” said Jared Fales.