Former US President Donald Trump reflects on his life-threatening experience after surviving a shooting at a campaign rally.
Former US President Donald Trump spoke about his extraordinary survival after being targeted in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally on July 13, 2024. In an interview with the New York Post on July 14, Trump shared his disbelief, saying, “I’m supposed to be dead.” Despite being shot in the ear, Trump survived, while a bystander tragically lost their life and two others were injured.
Trump recalled the moment as “very surreal,” explaining that he might have been killed had he not slightly tilted his head to the right while speaking. “By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God, I’m still here,” Trump remarked.
He praised the Secret Service agents for their quick and effective response, noting that they neutralized the shooter with a single shot. The image of Trump, with a raised fist and Secret Service agents surrounding him, quickly became iconic, spreading widely across media and social platforms. Trump reflected, saying, “A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen, and they’re right. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture.”
After the attack, Trump reconsidered his speech for the Republican National Convention, choosing to deliver one aimed at uniting the country rather than focusing on criticism of President Biden’s administration. He acknowledged the deep divisions in the nation, expressing doubt about whether true unity could be achieved.
