WATCH: Trump recounts story of assassination attempt at Butler rally | 2024 RNC Night 4

For the first time, former President Donald Trump recounted the story of his attempted assassination at a rally last weekend in Pennsylvania, saying he would only tell it once because it’s “too painful” to repeat.

Trump said he had just turned his head when he heard a whizzing sound and felt something hit his right ear. He said he fell to the ground, realizing the rally was “under attack,” and praised the Secret Service agents who rushed to cover him on the stage. He said he felt “serene” and believed he was saved by the grace of God.

Trump spoke on the final night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, an evening focused on making “America great once again.”

“The amazing thing is that prior to the shot, if I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin's bullet would have perfectly hit its mark. And I would not be here tonight. We would not be together,” Trump told the crowd.

The former president asked for a moment of silence for Corey Comperatore, the rally attendee who was killed during the shooting.

Throughout the week, Republican elected officials, party leaders, celebrities and voters have taken the stage to speak in support of Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. They also adopted a party platform. Trump’s Thursday night address was his first formal public remarks since the assassination attempt.

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Watch a direct feed from the convention floor here. For PBS News special coverage, visit: https://youtube.com/live/27wpszdWPRQ

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