Trump Describes Assassination Attempt as a “Miracle” in First Interview

Former President Donald Trump has broken his silence on the assassination attempt against him during a rally on Saturday. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump described the ordeal as a close brush with death.

“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump stated. “I’m supposed to be dead.” According to Trump, the attending physician at the hospital described his survival as a “miracle.” He attributed his survival to either “luck or by God,” with many suggesting divine intervention.

Trump revealed that the bullet grazed him because he had turned his head slightly to the right to read a chart on illegal immigration. Had he not moved, he believes the bullet would have been fatal.

The former president praised the response of the Secret Service agents, who he described as “linebackers.” He recounted that one agent neutralized the gunman with “one shot right between the eyes.” Trump commended their performance, saying, “They did a fantastic job. It’s surreal for all of us.”

Trump also shared a personal moment, noting that as Secret Service agents hurried him off the stage, he was concerned about retrieving his shoes, which had fallen off during the commotion. “The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight,” he said.

Reflecting on images of the incident, Trump mentioned the iconic photo of him raising his fist surrounded by Secret Service agents. “A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen,” he noted. “Usually you have to die to have an iconic picture. I just wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot.”

Trump acknowledged the “fine” and “very nice” call he received from President Biden following the attack, suggesting the presidential race might see a more civil tone in the future. He also expressed his gratitude toward his rally audience for their composure during the incident. “A lot of places … you hear a single shot, everybody runs. Here there were many shots and they stayed,” Trump said. “I love them. They are such great people.”