Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up because we've got some dramatic news to dive into. New details have emerged about just how close former President Donald Trump came to a potentially fatal incident during a recent campaign rally. The scene unfolded in Butler, Pennsylvania, and it’s nothing short of extraordinary.
On Saturday, local time, Trump was at his rally when a shooter, later identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired shots that grazed the former president's ear. Trump was seen with blood streaking down his face—a shocking and chaotic moment caught on camera.
The remarkable photo of the incident was captured by Doug Mills, a photographer for The New York Times. Mills described the rally as a “very standard, typical rally” until the shots rang out. He initially mistook the sounds for car backfires. However, as he continued to take pictures, he saw Trump go down behind the lectern and realized something serious had happened.
What’s even more astounding is the video footage that has surfaced, showing Trump making a life-saving move. Just as the bullet whizzed by his head, Trump turned slightly. This minor head movement likely spared him from a more serious injury or worse. Moments later, the bullet struck his ear, and Trump was seen clutching his head as blood appeared.
Watch how Trump turns his head at the very last second before the 1st shot is fired
Divine intervention pic.twitter.com/NscFEKmZfc
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) July 14, 2024
The video, shared widely on social media, highlights the split-second timing of Trump's reaction. A slow-motion clip posted by The Hodgetwins on X (formerly Twitter) emphasized this near-miss, while another user, Mirthful Moments, commented on the miraculous nature of the incident, calling it “100 percent divine intervention.”
In the aftermath, Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump and escorted him off stage to safety. Before leaving, Trump managed to pump his fist, rallying the crowd into a chant of "USA! USA!"
Trump later addressed the incident on Truth Social, explaining that he was struck by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear. He expressed immediate recognition of the danger as he heard the whizzing shots and felt the bullet’s impact. Trump also extended condolences to the families of those affected at the rally, acknowledging one death and another severe injury.
The Secret Service provided more details through a statement from Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications. The shooter had fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the venue at 6:15 PM. The shooter was quickly neutralized by the Secret Service, resulting in his death. The incident left one spectator dead and two others injured.
The FBI has launched an investigation into what is now considered an assassination attempt, and Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has called for a full House investigation, emphasizing the public's right to know the truth.