Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped what appeared to be a targeted attack during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, over the weekend. As Trump addressed his supporters, chaos erupted when gunshots rang out, resulting in injuries to him and three others. Sadly, one attendee lost their life, while two others sustained critical wounds. The FBI identified the suspect as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a local resident.
I spoke to OUR President last night. He is doing well and as STRONG AS EVER. Thank God he is ok! If you ever wondered, your questions have been answered last night, he IS the WARRIOR this country MUST have to survive. God Bless Trump and God bless the USA!!
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) July 14, 2024
In the aftermath of the harrowing incident, Trump recounted his disbelief at the close brush with danger to his former White House doctor, Dr. Ronny Jackson. Trump attributed his survival to an unlikely savior – a chart on immigration statistics that he was reviewing at the time of the attack. According to reports, Trump believed that his instinct to gesture towards the chart inadvertently spared him from a fatal shot.
My nephew was injured at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Thankfully his injury was not serious and he is doing well. My family was sitting in the front, near where the President was speaking. They heard shots ringing out — my nephew then realized he had blood on his neck…
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) July 14, 2024
Dr. Jackson, who rushed to be by Trump’s side upon hearing of the incident, described the former President as resolute and composed despite the trauma. The Secret Service’s snipers, who were present at the rally, were prepared for such threats, with detailed calculations and high-powered rifles ready to neutralize potential assailants.
While the details of a late-night call between Trump and President Joe Biden have not been fully disclosed, it is reportedly polite and civil. The sequence of events underscores political figures' ongoing divisions and security challenges, even after leaving office.
