Speaking to the New York Post, Trump described the ordeal as a “very surreal experience” and expressed gratitude for his survival, attributing it to luck or divine intervention.
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump told the Post, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The former President was on his way to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention when he shared his account.
Former US President Donald Trump recounted a harrowing experience at a campaign rally, where he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. The 78-year-old Republican frontrunner in the presidential race was struck in the ear by a gunman, leaving him with a bloodied face while a bystander was killed and two others were wounded.
With a white bandage covering his right ear, he recounted the events that unfolded during the rally, where he was nearly fatally shot.
Trump detailed how the shooter’s bullet grazed his ear, splattering blood on his forehead and cheek. He believed that his slight turn to the right, as he read a chart on illegal immigrants, spared him from a fatal shot.
“By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here,” he remarked, acknowledging the role of providence in his survival.
Read : Barron Trump’s Real Voice Heard for the First Time Since Childhood: Watch
The quick and decisive actions of the Secret Service agents were crucial in neutralizing the threat. Trump praised the agents for their efficiency, stating, “They took him out with one shot. They did a fantastic job.”
The image of Trump raising a defiant fist while being rushed away from the stage by Secret Service agents has since become iconic, symbolizing his resilience in the face of danger.
“A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen. They’re right and I didn’t die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture,” he noted.
I just landed and missed an assignation attempt. Holy shit. What a bad ass reaction from Trump. The election is over. He's the next president. The Dems should give up. They can't beat him now. pic.twitter.com/omtbue191d
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) July 13, 2024
The tragic incident also saw the loss of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter who died shielding his family from the gunfire.
Trump expressed his intention to attend Comperatore’s funeral, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen hero. The former President also commended the crowd at the rally, which he estimated at 55,000, for remaining calm during the chaos.
“I love them. They are such great people,” he said, highlighting the unity and strength of his supporters.
In the aftermath of the attempt on his life, Trump revealed that he was revising the speech he had prepared for the Republican convention.
Initially, he had planned a scathing critique of Biden’s administration, but the near-death experience prompted a change in tone. “I had prepared an extremely tough speech about Biden’s horrible administration. But I threw it away” for a speech aimed at uniting the country.
Despite his efforts, Trump acknowledged the deep divisions within the nation, expressing doubt about the possibility of unity. “But I don’t know if that’s possible. People are very divided,” he admitted.
As Trump continues his campaign, the rally shooting serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and challenges he faces. Yet, his determination remains unshaken, fueled by the support of his followers and a newfound perspective on life and leadership.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏