RNC 2024 Day 1 updates: Bandaged and emotional, Trump makes RNC appearance

Chants of "we love Trump" could be heard as he entered the RNC.

ByMeredith Deliso, Tal Axelrod, Chris Boccia, and Alexandra Hutzler
Last Updated: July 15, 2024, 11:01 PM EDT

The first day of the Republican National Convention has wrapped up in Milwaukee -- marked with an appearance by former President Donald Trump just two days he was wounded in an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday evening.

Despite the shooting, the gathering of more than 50,000 attendees, including an expected 2,400 Republican delegates, is slated to maintain its original programming as a time to bring the party together -- but now newly energized by Trump's amazing survival and raised-fist show of defiance.

One of the most anticipated moments of Trump's campaign happened Monday when Trump named 39-year-old Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing:
Jul 15, 2024, 10:21 PM EDT

Trump appears emotional in 1st public appearance since assassination attempt

Former U.S. President Donald Trump greets Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance as he attends Day 1 of the Republican National Convention, in Milwaukee, July 15, 2024.
Andrew Kelly/Reuters

Former President Donald Trump appeared emotional while listening to "God Bless the USA" as the crowd chanted "U.S.A!" -- marking the former president's first public appearance since the assassination attempt at his rally on Saturday.

Chants of "we love Trump" could also be heard as he stood in the crowd.

Trump gave a standing ovation to the two speakers, billed by the RNC as "everyday Americans," who spoke following his arrival.

This is his first public appearance since the attempted assassination on Saturday at his rally.
5:04

Trump arrives with bandage on ear

This is his first public appearance since the attempted assassination on Saturday at his rally.
ABCNews.com

Jul 15, 2024, 10:07 PM EDT

Attendees sing along to 'God Bless the USA' as Trump enters RNC

The cheers for former President Donald Trump as he arrived were the loudest of the night.

Convention attendees are singing along to the song as he makes his way through the floor.

Trump pumped his fist -- in what appears to be a call-back to the "fight, fight, fight" fist pump after the failed assassination attempt -- before shaking hands with his running mate, J.D. Vance.

He could be seen mouthing "thank you" and waving to the crowd.

Trump had a more quiet, subdued demeanor during his appearance.

Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Republican Vice-Presidential candidate, Sen. JD Vance appear on the first day of the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Jul 15, 2024, 10:03 PM EDT

Trump arrives with bandage on ear

Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives on the first day of the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump has arrived at the convention with a bandage on his ear. The crowd cheered when he was shown on the jumbotron during a musical interlude. This is his first public appearance since the attempted assassination on Saturday at his rally.

Jul 15, 2024, 10:00 PM EDT

Trump urges 'massive' voting turnout in video message

Former President Donald Trump urged his supporters to get out and vote in a video message shown during the convention.

"Many Republicans like to vote on Election Day, and we must swamp the radical Democrats with massive turnout on Tuesday, Nov. 5," he said. "The way you win is to swamp them."

The pre-taped video has played at Trump's rallies in the past.