Melania Trump urges nation to "ascend above the hate" after assassination attempt

• It's her first public statement after a gunman fired shots during Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, which has been classified as an assassination attempt.
• Trump said that he was "shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part" of his right ear.
• One rally attendee and the suspected shooter have both died.

Driving the news: Melania Trump thanked the "brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband."

• "A monster who recognized my husband as in inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passions — his laughter, ingenuity, love of music and inspiration," Melania Trump wrote.
• "Let's not forget that differing opinions, policy and political games are inferior to love," she said.

• She also expressed condolences to the "families of innocent victims who are now suffering from the heinous act."

State of play: Melania Trump has largely stayed out of the political spotlight since Trump left office.

• She is expected to make a rare appearance at the Republican National Convention this week, per the Associated Press. She is not expected to speak at the convention.

Go deeper: Fear, anger, cheers: What I saw at the Trump rally shooting