Written By Lisa Murimi
Former US President Donald Trump has declared he is “supposed to be dead” following an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday night.
In a recent interview with conservative media, Mr. Trump expressed gratitude, attributing his survival to “luck or by God.”
“The most incredible thing was that I happened to not only turn [my head] but to turn at the exact right time and in just the right amount,” Trump explained. The bullet grazed his ear, narrowly missing a fatal shot. “I’m supposed to be dead, I’m not supposed to be here,” he said.
The attack left one spectator dead and two others seriously injured. The assailant, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, also died in the incident.
Mr. Trump recounted the harrowing moment he realized he had been shot, describing the unwavering support from the crowd.
“The energy coming from the people there in that moment, they just stood there. It’s hard to describe what that felt like, but I knew the world was looking. I knew that history would judge this, and I knew I had to let them know we are OK,” he told the Washington Examiner.
As he prepared to board a flight to the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he is expected to be confirmed as the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Trump emphasized his resolve to unite the country. He revealed that his planned speech, initially a critique of President Joe Biden’s policies, would now focus on national unity.
“Had [Saturday’s attack] not happened, this would’ve been one of the most incredible speeches. Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now. It is a chance to bring the country together.”
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated his intention to maintain his schedule despite the attempt on his life: “I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling.”
The FBI is investigating Crooks, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, and while they believe he acted alone, the investigation continues to determine if he had any accomplices.
The slain spectator, Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer fire chief, died heroically trying to protect his family.
President Biden, in a televised address, condemned the attack and called for a reduction in political hostility.
“We cannot, must not, go down this road again. We’ve travelled it before in our history,” Biden urged, emphasizing the need to resolve differences through democratic means, “At the ballot box. Not with bullets.”
