Former President Donald Trump has spoken out for the first time since surviving an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The dramatic incident unfolded in front of thousands, and Trump’s words to the New York Post offer a harrowing account of how close he came to losing his life.
‘I’m Supposed to Be Dead’ “I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump told the New York Post, reflecting on the near-fatal attack.
Speaking onboard his private plane en route to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this; he called it a miracle,” Trump explained. “By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here.”
According to Trump, had he not turned his head slightly to the right at the exact moment he did—to glance at a chart on illegal immigration—the bullet that grazed him could have been fatal.
A Miracle of Timing
The would-be assassin was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired at Trump during the rally. While details about the shooter are still emerging, Trump’s quick movements and the swift action of his security detail likely saved his life.
Heroic Actions of the Secret Service
Praised his Secret Service agents for their rapid response, describing the scene as something out of a football game. “They rushed at me like linebackers,” he said. One agent even neutralized the gunman with a single shot. “One shot right between the eyes,” Trump recounted, adding,
“They did a fantastic job. It’s surreal for all of us.” Trump Said.
Despite the chaos, Trump couldn’t help but reflect on a lighthearted moment. “The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight,” he laughed, recalling how he asked to retrieve his shoes as they whisked him off stage.
An Iconic Image
Moments after the shooting, an image of Trump raising his fist while surrounded by Secret Service agents began circulating. Reflecting on the photograph, Trump said, “A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen.”
He humorously added, “They’re right and I didn’t die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture. I just wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot.”
Biden’s Response
In a surprising moment of civility amidst a contentious election season, Trump acknowledged receiving a call from President Joe Biden following the assassination attempt. While Trump didn’t elaborate on the details, he noted that Biden’s message was “fine” and “very nice,” suggesting that the race between them might become more civil moving forward.
A Rally Audience That Stayed Calm
One of the more remarkable aspects of the event was the rally audience’s reaction. “A lot of places … you hear a single shot, everybody runs. Here there were many shots and they stayed,” Trump said. His admiration for the crowd was clear as he concluded,
“I love them. They are such great people.” TRUMP Declared.
As Trump continues his campaign, the assassination attempt serves as a stark reminder of the dangers political figures face. Yet, in typical Trump fashion, he emerged defiant, determined to keep pushing forward despite the near-death experience.
