Donald Trump Gives First Interview Since Shooting, “I’m Supposed To Be Dead”
Former President Donald Trump survives an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally
On Saturday, July 13th, a Pennsylvania man attempted to take the life of former President Donald Trump while he was speaking at a nearby rally. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was positioned on a rooftop approximately 130 yards away from the podium where Trump stood.
Crooks was able to fire multiple shots before he was neutralized by law enforcement.
One bullet grazed Donald Trump’s ear, and in a split second, the politician was surrounded by secret service agents who shielded him from additional threats and quickly ushered him off the stage.
In the flurry of activity, Trump lifted his fist into the air and exclaimed, “Fight, fight, fight.” Blood was visible on his face and ear.
Watch the scene unfold in the video below. Viewer discretion is advised.
Donald Trump gives first interview since the shooting
Just two days later, the presidential candidate sat down for an exclusive interview with The New York Post, where he detailed the “very surreal experience.” While aboard his private plane in route to the GOP National Convention, Trump reflected:
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead.”
He applauded the Secret Service agents for their swift action in coming to his aid and eliminating the threat. He shared:
“The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight.”
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Trump was rushed to the hospital despite wanting to stay and speak with the crowd
The former president said that he wanted to stay and talk with his supporters following the attack, but his security team insisted they get him to a hospital and out of harm’s way. He recalls that the doctor at the trauma center reporting that he had never seen anyone survive getting hit by an AR-15.
“By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here.”
Trump plans to contact the victims of the attack
Although Trump narrowly survived the attempted assassination, one man was killed, and the stray bullets wounded two additional people. The deceased was identified as Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old retired fire chief from Buffalo Township.
Mid-interview, Trump turned to an aid and requested the phone numbers for the families of the victims. He expressed that he wanted to go visit the hospital and call all the families.
A GoFundMe has been created to support Corey Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, and their family. Visit it here.
