Trump Gives Interview Following Shooting
A grateful yet defiant Donald Trump shared his harrowing experience with The Post, recounting the moment a would-be assassin shot at him during a Pennsylvania campaign rally. "I'm supposed to be dead," Trump stated, reflecting on the event that nearly ended his life. The former president spoke from his private plane en route to Milwaukee for the GOP National Convention.
Trump described the "very surreal experience," showing a large, loose white bandage covering his right ear. "The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle," Trump said, expressing astonishment at his survival. He explained that he survived only because he turned his head slightly to the right at the exact moment the bullet was fired.
As Secret Service agents rushed him off stage, Trump still wanted to continue speaking to his supporters. However, the agents insisted on getting him to a hospital immediately. He praised the agents for their quick and protective actions, comparing them to "linebackers" and even showed a large bruise on his right forearm as proof of their diligence.
Trump cleared up a curious detail from the video footage of the incident: the moment he can be heard saying, "Wait, I want to get my shoes." He explained with a smile, "The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight."
He commended the Secret Service for their precise response, noting, "They took him out with one shot right between the eyes," referring to the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was perched on a roof about 130 yards from the stage.
Reflecting on the iconic photo of him raising his fist and saying "Fight" as agents led him away, Trump remarked, "A lot of people say it's the most iconic photo they've ever seen. They're right, and I didn't die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture."
JUST IN: Trump confirms that a chunk of his ear is gone, details more injuries he received during an interview with the New York Post.
Trump says he was hit so hard by Secret Service who rushed to protect him, that his shoes fell off.
The former president said he wanted to keep… pic.twitter.com/BDo4C1DdOI
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 15, 2024
Trump revealed that the local hospital doctor, who treated him, was amazed at his survival, calling it a miracle. "By luck or by God, many people are saying it's by God I'm still here," he added.
He also acknowledged the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter who died shielding his family from the gunfire. Trump expressed his intention to attend the funeral and reach out to the families of the other victims.
Trump praised the rally crowd, estimating their number at 55,000, for remaining calm despite the chaos. "A lot of places, especially soccer games, you hear a single shot, everybody runs. Here there were many shots, and they stayed. I love them. They are such great people."
Senator Lindsey Graham, who was with Trump on the flight, noted the former president's optimism, describing it as "unbelievable" and suggesting that Trump feels he has "a new lease on life."
This renewed perspective has already influenced Trump's approach to his upcoming nomination acceptance speech. Initially planning a "tough speech" criticizing the current administration, Trump decided to rewrite it to focus on uniting the country. "I want to try to unite our country," he said, though he acknowledged the significant divisions that exist.
When asked about the tone and policy changes in his revised speech, Trump suggested that the policy differences, such as views on border control and transgender athletes in women's sports, are the primary stumbling blocks to unity. He remains convinced that success will ultimately unite the country, though he did not define what that success would entail.
Trump appreciated President Biden's call after the incident, describing it as "fine" and Biden as "very nice." He hinted that the campaign could become more civil, though he provided no specifics. He also mentioned rumors of Biden potentially ordering the Department of Justice to drop its prosecutions of Trump, though there has been no public indication of this.
Throughout the interview, which included Byron York of the Washington Examiner, Trump remained confident in his path to victory, citing favorable gambling odds. He pondered whether Biden's debate performance or the assassination attempt would be more significant to voters.
As Trump prepares for his speech at the GOP National Convention, the assassination attempt and its aftermath present an opportunity for him to demonstrate a commitment to unity and civility. While one speech alone won't create a miracle, it could mark the beginning of a more civil and effective campaign, potentially helping both his quest to recapture the White House and the nation's journey toward a more united future.