Former President, Donald Trump, shared his experience of surviving an assassination attempt during a speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC), calling it a story he would only reveal once.
“Despite bullets flying around us, the amazing crowd showed incredible support. I felt strangely calm,” Trump recalled.
The shooter, identified as Thoams Matthew Crooks, targeted Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, hitting him in the ear. Despite the injury, Trump defiantly rose, fist in the air, with blood running down his face. This iconic moment fueled his campaign with renewed vigor, climaxing in a thunderous reception for his speech at the convention.
Trump, at the beginning of his address, expressed gratitude for the love and encouragement he received after the ordeal. He vowed to narrate the incident just this once, as reliving it was too painful.
“I knew it was a grave situation. We were under attack,” Trump recounted. “As bullets continued flying, brave Secret Service agents swiftly moved to shield me.”
Trump lauded the courage of the Secret Service agents who acted swiftly to protect him, attributing his safety to a higher power. He also commended the crowd’s composure during the chaos, avoiding panic that could have worsened the situation.
Investigative authorities are treating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism. They believe Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, acted alone. Tragically, the shooting claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who shielded his family, and left two others injured. Trump also suffered an injury to his ear, wearing a bandage that became a symbol of solidarity as supporters donned similar bandages at the convention.
Reflecting on the incident, Trump expressed shock that such an attempt could occur in the United States. He recounted hearing a bullet whizzing past and the moment it struck his ear.
Shortly after the shooting, Trump praised the swift response of law enforcement and extended condolences to the victims’ families. He also appreciated the support shown by his son, Donald Trump Jr., who praised his father’s resilience.
The FBI is actively investigating Crooks’ motives. As of now, no specific ideology or threatening social media posts have been linked to him.
Attorney General Merrick Garland labeled the incident an assault on democracy. FBI Director Christopher Wray assured a thorough investigation to uncover all facts and ensure accountability, striving to prevent similar incidents in the future.