Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempt in Pennsylvania
A historic moment was captured as former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m., just as Trump began his speech. Shots rang out, and Secret Service agents immediately rushed to protect him. Trump, wearing his signature red MAGA cap, was seen putting his hand to his right ear, appearing surprised as more shots were fired.
The Shooter and the Aftermath
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service snipers stationed on a nearby roof. The crowd erupted into panic as the shots continued, with many spectators rushing to the ground for cover. Crooks' motivations remain unclear, though reports indicate he was registered as a Republican voter but had also donated to a Democratic political association in 2021.
The Iconic Image and Its Afterlife
Before being escorted to safety, Trump raised his fist in defiance, blood streaming down his cheek from a bullet wound that pierced his right ear. This powerful image was captured by photographers and quickly went viral. Supporters have already begun selling t-shirts featuring the photograph, alongside slogans like 'Fight,' the American flag, and 'Make America Great Again.' This is reminiscent of how Trump's 'mugshot' from the Georgia sheriff's department also became a widely circulated symbol among his supporters.
Trump later attributed his survival to divine intervention, stating, 'It was God who stopped the unthinkable from happening.' The incident left one spectator dead and two others seriously injured. Despite the chaos, the crowd chanted 'USA! USA!' as Trump was taken away by his security detail.
