Trump's supporters have attributed his survival to divine intervention, heightening the event's religious fervour.

Traditionally, invocations at political conventions are confined to opening and closing prayers. This year, however, Trump's near-death experience has led to numerous references to God's influence.

"God was with me"

Trump himself credited "God alone" for saving his life, a sentiment echoed by many speakers and attendees.

"God was with me" Trump told convention delegates on Wednesday, adding that the near disaster "in many ways changes your attitude, your viewpoint on life. I think, honestly, you appreciate God even more".

Pauline Shultz, a Catholic delegate from Minnesota, views Trump's survival as a divine signal. "I believe that when President Trump gets back in, he's going to be a changed man. He will be led by the Holy Spirit, and I think he'll be softer in his spirit, but lead in strength" Schultz said.

"I believe that we as a nation are moving into a reawakening, or awakening" Shultz added.

Christian killed in assassination attempt

The assassination attempt tragically claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a Christian who died protecting his wife and daughter. Throughout the convention, many speakers honoured Comperatore's bravery and sacrifice, and acknowledged his heroic actions.

However, former US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan highlighted the moment Trump turned his head to avoid the fatal bullet.

"I'm a Christian too and I believe in divine intervention. I think that's what we saw that day" Morgan told CNA. "If he had not turned his head to look at that chart, we would be going to a funeral."

"Mankind is in the hands of God"

US Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina in his speech reinforced the theme of miraculous survival.

"If you didn't believe in miracles before Saturday, you better be believing right now" Scott said.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, reminding attendees of the fragility of life and the importance of divine providence.

"The last few days remind us that the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind is in the hands of God" Rubio said.

Pastor Corey Brooks of Chicago's New Beginnings Church led delegates in a jubilant praise session, highlighting the contrast between the potential tragedy and the current celebration. "This week we could be having a week of mourning but, because God did not let any of those things be, this is a week of celebration and a week of life" Brooks said.

Sources

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described Comperatore as a dedicated Christian, a devoted family man and a community hero.

Comperatore, a firefighter and a father of two daughters, "went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family" said Shapiro

Shapiro spoke with Comperatore's wife and daughters and shared that Corey died protecting his family.

"I asked Corey's wife if it would be okay for me to share that we spoke. And she said yes" Shapiro said on Sunday.

"She also asked that I share with all of you that Corey died a hero. That Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing."

"He's my hero"

Mr Comperatore was a prominent supporter of Trump and was thrilled to attend the rally with his family. Tragically, they were moved to seats behind the former president shortly before the shooting occurred, according to a Facebook post by his wife Helen.

"He's my hero" Mrs Comperatore told The New York Post from her home on Monday. "He just said ‘Get down!' That was the last thing he said."

Comperatore's sister, Dawn Comperatore Schafer, posted on Facebook about her brother's heroic actions. He "was a hero who shielded his daughters. His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable. My baby brother just turned 50 and had so much life left to experience".

His daughter Allyson also expressed her grief and admiration on social media, calling her father "the best dad a girl could ever ask for. He was a man of God, loved Jesus fiercely and also looked after our church and our members as family" she wrote.

Governor Shapiro announced flags would be flown at half-staff in honour of Comperatore.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to support the Comperatore family had raised nearly $500,000 by Sunday evening, reflecting the community's solidarity and compassion.

Two other rally attendees, David Dutch 57 and James Copenhaver 74, both of Pennsylvania, were wounded in the attack. State police reported they were in the hospital in stable condition.

Sources

Catholic News Agency

The New York Post

CathNews New Zealand