An Eerie Quiet Hangs Over the Republican National Convention

Trump Heads to Milwaukee • Biden Calls for “Unity” • Blaming the Media [View in your browser]( | [Update your preferences](newsletter=vf) [Vanity Fair Hive logo image]( An Eerie Quiet Hangs Over the Republican National Convention Good morning! We were already in uncharted territory this election cycle, as Donald Trump, a twice-impeached former president, emerged as the GOP frontrunner while facing four criminal indictments—and, in May, was convicted on 34 felony counts. Meanwhile, his challenger, President Joe Biden, has endured weeks of calls to step aside following an abysmal debate performance that raised questions about the 81-year-old’s fitness to run. Then came Saturday’s [assassination attempt]( in Butler, Pennsylvania, which has “rattled the nation and potentially upended a presidential election,” [writes]( Eric Lutz from Milwaukee, where he notes “a palpable sense of unease” ahead of today’s start of the Republican National Convention. “This week in Milwaukee is set to be sweltering,” he writes, “as for the country, the temperature is already at a boiling point.” Elsewhere, Katie Herchenroeder [found]( prominent Republicans casting blame on Democrats and the media even before authorities identified the suspected gunman—and as they search for a motive. Eve Batey [pulled together]( what’s known about Thomas Matthew Crooks. We’ll have more today from Milwaukee, as well as the latest developments on this unprecedented moment in American politics. [Image may contain: Helmet, People, Person, Clothing, Glove, Hat, Adult, Footwear, Shoe, Backpack, Bag, and Accessories]( [An Eerie Quiet Hangs Over the Republican National Convention]( By [Eric Lutz]( [The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has rattled the nation and potentially upended a presidential election. Here in Milwaukee, there’s tension and uncertainty, but also a show-must-go-on sentiment among the politicos, attendees, and journalists descending on the midwestern city.]( [Read more button](   [Joe Biden Calls for “Unity” After Trump Assassination Attempt]( By [Katie Herchenroeder]( [The president’s message comes as prominent Republicans have cast blame on Democrats and the media for the shooting—and as investigators have yet to establish the 20-year-old suspected gunman’s motive.]( [Read more button](   [Donald Trump Rally Shooting Suspect Identified as 20-Year-Old Pennsylvania Man]( By [Eve Batey]( [Here’s what we know about Thomas Matthew Crooks, who is suspected of shooting former president Donald Trump and killing a Butler, PA rally attendee on Saturday.]( [Read more button](   [Donald Trump “Safe” After Shooting at Pennsylvania Rally, Suspected Shooter and Attendee Dead]( By [Eve Batey and Mike Hogan]( [Secret Service agents rushed a bleeding Donald Trump from the stage at Butler, PA, on Saturday after shots were fired at a packed campaign rally.]( [Read more button](   Get on the list Subscribe to our Hollywood newsletter for your essential industry and awards-season news, every day. [Sign Up Now](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn](   This e-mail was sent to you by The Hive. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our [Privacy Policy]( [Unsubscribe]( Sent from Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007 Copyright © 2024 Condé Nast