Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
In a recent interview with the 'New York Post,' former President Donald Trump recounted the harrowing moment when he was shot by Thomas Matthew Crooks during an election rally in Pennsylvania. Speaking from his private plane en route to the Republican convention in Wisconsin, Trump described the incident as a 'very surreal experience.'
Trump, who sported a white bandage covering his right ear, said, 'The doctor at the hospital said he had never seen anything like this; he called it a miracle.' The bullet, which tore a small piece out of his ear, could have been fatal if he hadn't turned his head slightly to read a table about illegal immigrants. 'I'm not supposed to be here; I'm supposed to be dead,' Trump added.
Secret Service Praised for Quick Response
The former president praised the Secret Service for their swift action in neutralizing the shooter, who was positioned on a roof about 130 meters from the stage. 'They killed him with one shot right between the eyes,' Trump said, commending the agents for their 'wonderful job.' Despite the chaos, Trump expressed his desire to continue speaking to his supporters, but the agents insisted on taking him to a hospital for safety reasons. 'They pulled me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight,' he recalled with a smile.
Trump also addressed the iconic image of him raising his fist and saying 'fight' three times as security guards led him off the stage. 'A lot of people say it's the most iconic picture they've ever seen,' he noted. 'Usually, you have to die to get an iconic image. I just wanted to keep talking, but I was just shot. Many people say that thanks to God I'm still here.'
One person, firefighter Cory Compatore, was killed while protecting his family from the gunfire, and two others were injured. Trump expressed his intention to attend Compatore's funeral and reach out to the affected families. 'Bring the phone numbers; I want to go to the hospital and call all the families,' he instructed his assistants.
Trump also praised the crowd of 55,000 at the rally for staying calm despite the shots. 'In a lot of places, especially football games, you hear one shot, everyone runs. Here there were a lot of shots and they stayed. I love them. They are such great people,' he said.
- The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place at political rallies, especially those involving high-profile figures like former presidents. The Secret Service has been lauded for their quick and effective response, but the event has also highlighted the potential risks associated with such gatherings.
- Trump's survival has been attributed to a combination of luck and divine intervention, according to the former president and the attending doctor. The bullet's trajectory, which could have been fatal, was altered by a slight turn of Trump's head. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of public events and the importance of robust security protocols.
