Donald Trump is capitalizing on an alleged assassination that took place in Pennsylvania on Saturday (July 13). A website owned by the Trump Company is selling sneakers that displayed a photo of the violence that brought chaos to Trump’s presidential rally in Butler Township.
Only 5,000 pairs of the limited edition shoes will be sold, 10 of which will be randomly signed. The sneakers are expected to ship in September or October, just in time for the election.
“Featuring the iconic image of Trump with his fist raised, these limited-edition high-tops pay tribute to his unwavering determination and courage,” the website writes. “Show your support and patriotic pride with these unique sneakers Sense, capturing a defining moment in history.”
The high-top section of the sneaker, which displays the American flag and an image of Trump raising his fist after a bullet grazed his right ear, has now gone viral. The image has been used on hundreds of items since the fatal incident that killed 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks and a rally attendee. Two others were seriously injured.
Video shows Trump asking for shoes shortly after the bullet grazed him. “Let me get my shoes,” Trump repeatedly told Secret Service agents, who tried to protect him and remove him from the stage.
Vendors are capitalizing on photos of the historic event, while some right-wing enthusiasts are campaigning for Trump’s re-election. Merchandise with the photo includes sweatshirts, mugs, car stickers and trading cards with slogans such as “Trump 2024,” “That’s My President” and “You Missed It.”
On Monday (July 15), Trump made his first public appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with a large bandage on his ear. Fervent Trump supporters have also been wearing them in a show of solidarity.
Shortly after the shooting, Crooks’ voter registration card began circulating on social media, showing that he was a registered Republican. Trump will challenge President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election, which will be the first time Crooks is old enough to vote in a presidential race.
When Crooks was 17, she donated $15 to ActBlue, a political action committee that raises money for left-leaning and Democratic politicians, according to 2021 Federal Election Commission filings. The donation is earmarked for the Progressive Turnout Project, a national organization that rallies Democrats to vote.
As of Thursday (July 18), the shoe is sold out.
