She was noticeably absent, for example, during the former president’s six-week hush money trial in New York, despite the presence of his sons Eric and Donald Jnr, and youngest daughter Tiffany.
Barron Trump was largely shielded from the media while he was growing up.Credit: JNI/Star Max/GC Images
Trump was ultimately found guilty in that trial for falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal with porn star Stormy Daniels, which could have derailed his chances of becoming president in 2016.
He was meant to be sentenced last Thursday, but is now seeking to have the case thrown out after the US Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that presidents and ex-presidents are immune for official acts performed while in office.
Melania Trump’s statement was released on Sunday morning local time as shocked Americans grappled with the attempted assassination of their 45th president, days before he was due to be formally announced as the Republican’s nominee to run for the White House in November.
The shooter, named by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, from Bethel Park Pennsylvania was shot dead by Secret Service agents moments after he opened fire from the top of a shed about 130 metres from the stage where Trump was only minutes into his speech.
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Trump grabbed his ear and dived for cover after the shots rang out, before standing up in the protection of Secret Service agents, pumping his fist in the air in what immediately became one of the most iconic images in US history.
“When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realised my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change,” Melania wrote.
“I am grateful to the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials who rest their own lives to protect my husband.”
“To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincere sympathy. Your need to summon your inner strength for such a terrible reason, saddens me.”
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