Melania Trump recalls being jolted awake by Secret Service agents during George Floyd protests

WASHINGTON, DC: Former first lady Melania Trump, wife of ex-president Donald Trump, disclosed fresh insights into her experiences amid the George Floyd protests in 2020, recounting a moment of apprehension as protesters neared the White House.

In a promotional video clip released on Sunday, September 22, for her forthcoming memoir 'Melania', available on X (previously known as Twitter), Melania Trump described the charged environment within the executive residence amid escalating protests outside.

Melania Trump recalls harrowing moments during George Floyd protests

In the brief video, Melania Trump is seen wearing a black blazer, addressing the camera as tense music plays in the backdrop.

"The loud knocking on the door sent a jolt through my body," she said in the video. "The Secret Service agent told me I needed to move. Safety was paramount, not just for me but for the president and all of the residents in the White House. The violent protests across the country had finally reached Pennsylvania Avenue."

On May 31, 2020, Donald Trump, along with his wife and son Barron Trump, were temporarily escorted to the White House bunker as demonstrators convened outside.

The next day, Trump commended the Secret Service on their management of the protests following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.

Melania has been sharing brief videos to promote her forthcoming memoir 'Melania,' scheduled for release on October 8.

Protests sparked by George Floyd's death escalate nationwide

The protests were ignited by the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old Black man, by Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, during an arrest on May 26, 2020.

A video recorded by a bystander captured Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, despite Floyd's repeated cries that he was unable to breathe.

Chauvin was sentenced to over two decades after being convicted in the killing of Floyd.

The protests outside the White House, initially peaceful, intensified throughout the evening as protesters tried to break through security barriers and hurled objects at law enforcement officers. Secret Service agents are said to have suffered minor injuries and at one juncture, used pepper spray to disperse the protesters.

The movement rapidly expanded both nationally and internationally, with protests in over 2,000 cities and towns in more than 60 countries.

It is estimated that between 15 to 26 million people took part in the demonstrations across the United States, marking it as the largest protest movement in the nation's history, according to Newsweek.

Internet reacts as Melania Trump shares her story

As soon as Melania Trump's video surfaced on social media, users started expressing their views.

A user wrote, "LOooooord have his mercy on this family. I can't imagine the hell they've been going through for our sake. How can we ever repay them for all that they've endured?"

Another wrote, "Thank you for sharing the truth."

The third user raised Melania saying, "You’re an inspiration to women all over the world."

"You are absolutely correct," one wrote in agreement with Melania.

A fan remarked, "Scary. Your safety is of the most importance Melania."

Other chimed in, "Melania Trump is the epitome of resilience under attacks. Like the one she is speaking of, and by people. Such a woman of grace and courage, we are truly blessed to call her First Lady. Class act- Thank you, Melania for sharing your story."

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