Donald Trump holds first outdoor rally since failed assassination attempt

21 August 2024, 21:24 | Updated: 22 August 2024, 00:39

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at North Carolina Aviation Museum.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at North Carolina Aviation Museum. Picture: Alamy

By Henry Moore

Donald Trump has held his first outdoor rally since surviving last month’s assassination attempt.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Guarded by a row of bulletproof protective glass, the former president rallied against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her party’s approach to foreign policy.

Speaking at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame Trump said: “The world is on fire, and Kamala and Biden have marched us to the brink of World War III.”

Storage containers were stacked around the perimeter of the space to create additional walls and block sight lines.

Read more: Fast-tracked riot charges will “add to the backlog” of sexual offences in criminal justice system

Snipers were also positioned on roofs at the venue, where old aircraft are sitting behind the podium and a large American flag is suspended from cranes.

Speaking from behind the protective glass, Mr Trump hit out at the Obamas following their speeches at the Democratic National Convention.

“He was taking shots at your president. And so was Michelle. You know, they always say, ‘Sir, please stick to policy. Don’t get personal’. And yet they’re getting personal all night long, these people,” he said, asking: “Do I still have to stick to policy?”

Servicemen take position ahead of Trump's rally.
Servicemen take position ahead of Trump's rally. Picture: Alamy
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks behind bulletproof glass during a campaign rally at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks behind bulletproof glass during a campaign rally at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame. Picture: Getty

July 13 saw a shooter take aim at the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania, with Trump shot in the ear by a sniper before being rushed off stage by close security.

Suspected shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was eliminated on the scene.

Today’s rally in North Carolina comes during the Democratic National Convention, which has seen Barack and Michelle Obama warn voters that a Donald Trump 'sequel' could spell disaster for the United States.

“It’s good to be home!” Barack Obama announced as he took to the stage in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday night.

"Make no mistake, it will be a fight," the former President warned.

Former President Barack Obama speaks during the second night of the Democratic National Convention.
Former President Barack Obama speaks during the second night of the Democratic National Convention. Picture: Alamy

It followed a rousing speech from wife Michelle, the former First Lady of the United States, who took to the stage before her husband to emphasise that a Trump "sequel" did not bode well for the future of the country.

Cheers erupted as the couple shared a warm embrace on stage, before Mr Obama, 67, insisted "we don't need four more years of bluster and chaos."

Labelling Mr Trump "a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn't stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago," the former President painted a bleak picture of a second Trump premiership.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

On Saturday evening, the annual silent walk will take place in west London to mark eight years since the blaze, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead, and speeches by campaigners.

Grenfell community gathers for final anniversary before tower demolition begins

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years

These funds were used to purchase three Tesla cars, a Mini Cooper and a Nissan Qashqai, Teesside crown court heard

Army sergeant jailed after stealing £336,000 of MoD funds to buy Teslas, hair transplant and 'adult services'