ST CHARLES, Mo. — On Monday afternoon, it was a packed room filled with prayers at the Soda Museum in St. Charles.
Just hours before heading to Milwaukee, one of Missouri's Republican gubernatorial candidates, Senator Bill Eigel, held a prayer rally on Main Street.
This event was held following an assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump.
"We thank you for your hand of protection over President Trump," a man said, guiding the crowd in prayer.
Eigel addressed the crowd before heading to the Republican National Convention.
Eigel and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft are delegates. They are two of the three Republican candidates for Missouri governor.
"Today is about acknowledging how awesome the good Lord was in keeping Donald J. Trump with us because we came inches of having a horrific tragedy in this country," he said. "The only reason he is still with us is with the grace of God."
Following Saturday's shooting, President Joe Biden's campaign pulled down their TV ads.
Eigel's political ads are still rolling, and some show him using a flamethrower and a gun.
Several viewers reached out to 5 On Your Side, calling some of the ads violent.
5 On Your Side asked Eigel if he plans to keep or remove the ads.
"Part of the reason that we're going to be able to protect ourselves, protect our communities is precisely through those things that I’m talking about," Eigel added. "We’re going to continue to be bold about doing things that we need to do to protect our communities and unite our state."
5 On Your Side reporter Justina Coronel followed up saying, "So those ads will stay?"
"Absolutely," Eigel responded. "The feedback I'm getting from the Republicans that I'm talking to is they love the message that I have about protecting our communities," he said. "I feel like the swamp in Washington D.C. has done everything they could to silence Donald J. Trump, they've done things to silence the more conservative elements here in the state of Missouri. We're not going to be afraid of that, we're going to be bold about the Missouri we're talking about."
5 On Your Side's political analyst Anita Manion weighed in.
"I suspect that Eigel and others will probably leave those (ads) up. They want to continue to paint themselves as strong proponents of the Second Amendment and as fighters. Trump and that very iconic picture after the assassination attempt, had his fist up and instructed his followers to fight and I think that that message of fighting back will continue throughout this campaign," Manion shared. "On the Republican side, we're likely to see, this has been a unifying event."
5 On Your Side also reached out to the other two Republican candidates running for governor.
Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe sent this statement:
"Saturday was a sad day for our nation. I’m thankful that President Trump is safe and pray for his continued safety. We mourn the loss of Corey Comperatore, a true patriot and hero who gave his own life protecting his family. It’s more important now than ever that we come together as Americans and not let this heinous act of violence against President Trump and his supporters threaten the freedoms that so many have fought to defend."
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft shared this:
"I was at an event in Lawerence County when I learned of the attempt on President Trump’s life. I stopped the event to gather in prayer for President Trump and our nation and my family and I joined our congregation at church yesterday in praying for the President. We will continue to do so and we are encouraged by his response to the attempt on his life."