Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump, local artist EJ Nieves channeled his emotions into an incredible piece of artwork that quickly captured the public’s attention.
The emotional rollercoaster began for Nieves while he was at Figueroa Collectibles, where he first saw the shocking news of the attempt on Trump’s life on TV. The gravity of the situation stayed with him throughout the day, weighing heavily on his mind. Despite his scheduled appearance at an event in Orlando that evening, the tragic news remained in his thoughts.
Upon returning home at 2 a.m., Nieves found himself unable to sleep. In an effort to process his emotions, he turned to his art. “I couldn’t sleep a wink last night.. so I decided to paint a piece of history,” he explained. By 2:30 a.m., he was in his studio, and within a few hours, around 5 a.m., the piece was completed.
Nieves then posted his creation on Facebook before finally going to bed. When he awoke, he was astonished to find that his painting had gone viral. The artwork resonated deeply with people, capturing the emotions following the attempt on Trump’s life.
Nieves, who is also known for his murals at Lake Lillian Park in Belleview, expressed a heartfelt wish for the painting to reach Trump and his family. “It would mean the world to me if we were able to somehow figure out a way to get this painting to him. My heart’s prayer is for him and his family to own it,” Nieves shared.
He hopes that the painting serves as a source of inspiration for the nation and the world, encouraging people to maintain hope and resilience in the face of tragedy. “I put my full faith in Jesus and I pray that this painting showcases my love of God and our beautiful country,” he added.
