A former president recounts the harrowing moments of a near-fatal incident that shook the nation.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Donald Trump shared previously undisclosed information about the assassination attempt in Butler, describing the event as "the craziest day."
Trump revisited the scene of the incident on October 5, 2024, where he addressed tens of thousands of supporters. The rally took place at the same location where he was shot in the ear by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks on July 13. During the interview with Laura Ingraham for "The Ingraham Angle," Trump revealed how the news of the attack reached his son Barron.
Trump recounted that Barron was engaged in a tennis match with friends when someone rushed over to inform him of the shooting. The former president described his son's reaction, stating that Barron, who is deeply fond of his father, immediately sought out his mother for information about the incident.
The dramatic moment when Trump stood up after being shot left many uncertain about his condition. He explained that the crowd's reaction shifted from stunned silence to enthusiastic chants of "USA" once they realized he was alive and standing.
Trump highlighted the swift response of the Secret Service and the preparedness of the local hospital. He expressed surprise at learning that hospitals are completely cleared when a president arrives for emergency treatment.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Trump demonstrated remarkable composure in the aftermath of the shooting. He described convincing the Secret Service that he had only been hit in the ear, which allowed him to stand and address the crowd briefly before being escorted to safety.
Trump's defiant gesture of raising his fist and mouthing "fight, fight, fight" as he left the stage became an iconic moment of the incident. He reflected on the surreal nature of the event, describing the transition from deadly silence to thunderous cheers as the crowd realized he had survived.
The former president's return to Butler for another rally underscored his determination to continue his political activities despite the security threat. During the recent event, Trump held a moment of silence for Corey Comperatore, a rally attendee who lost his life protecting his family during the July 13 shooting.
The Butler rally also featured a surprise appearance by Elon Musk, who delivered remarks encouraging voter participation. Musk's presence and enthusiastic support for Trump highlighted the ongoing alliance between the tech mogul and the former president.
Trump's decision to revisit the site of the assassination attempt and share new details about the incident demonstrates his strategy of turning a potentially traumatic event into a rallying point for his supporters. The interview and rally coverage provides insight into how the former president is framing the attack within the context of his political narrative.
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, remains a significant event in recent political history. Trump's willingness to discuss new details about the incident, including its impact on his family, offers a personal perspective on the risks faced by high-profile political figures.
The former president's return to the site of the attack, coupled with the support of influential figures like Elon Musk, indicates that this event continues to play a role in shaping Trump's public image and political strategy.