Trump supporters laud his response to assassination attempt as it echoes Ronald Reagan's 1981 shooting

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BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, displayed remarkable resilience following an assassination attempt. The 78-year-old was struck by a bullet in the "upper part" of his right ear, causing blood to trickle down his cheek. Despite the injury, Trump repeatedly mouthed the word "fight" as he stood defiantly before his supporters.

The striking image of a bloodied Trump raising his fist has already become iconic, possibly boosting his popularity as the November election approaches. The surreal moment evokes memories of Ronald Reagan's shooting in 1981, which garnered national sympathy and support for Reagan.

The assassination attempt and immediate aftermath

The incident occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old would-be assassin, fired at least eight bullets at Donald Trump. In a swift reaction, Trump threw himself to the floor as the US Secret Service agents swarmed around him.

Despite the chaos, Trump managed to get to his feet, symbolizing his defiance. A photo capturing this moment, with Trump raising his arm while agents huddled around him and the American flag waving in the background, quickly went viral.

Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr, shared the image on his X account, where it has been viewed over 13 million times. He triumphantly declared, "He'll never stop fighting to Save America."

The photograph was also widely circulated by sitting members of Congress, with Republican Derrick Van Orden proclaiming to Politico that Trump had "just won the election."

GOP strategist Mike Murphy predicted that Trump's raised fist would become the "iconic symbol of the convention" set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Republican Congressman Tim Burchett also believed the assassination attempt would "energise the base more than anything," telling Politico, "And he, you know - with his fist in the air and he didn't want to leave. And he's yelling, fight, fight, fight. That'll be the slogan." 

Comparisons to assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan

The stunning event marks the first assassination attempt on a US President since Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington DC on March 30, 1981.

Reagan, just 70 days into his first term, survived a close call when John W Hinckley Jr pulled the trigger six times in a span of 1.7 seconds. One of the bullets deflected off a limousine and landed an inch from his heart.

The nation's rallying around Reagan post-shooting serves as a historical parallel to the current situation with Trump.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed his support for Trump, announcing plans to attend the upcoming Republican convention as a "show of friendly solidarity." Farage remarked on Sky News that he would have been at the Pennsylvania rally if not for his commitments in the UK.

He told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, "It's the convention next week and I have now decided I will fly out and see him next Thursday and listen to his acceptance speech. I will absolutely do that as a show of friendly solidarity. Donald Trump is not perfect, but some of the things that are allowed to be said about him are frankly appalling."

Support from the UFC community, Donald Trump's response

Donald Trump also received support from the UFC community. Former welterweight champion Colby Covington praised Trump as "the toughest man on the face of this earth," while former middleweight champion Sean Strickland called him an "utter savage" for his resilience, the Daily Mail reported.

After a UFC fight, Evan Elder gave a shoutout to Trump. "Hey. I heard they just tried to whack my boy Trump," he said. "I'm glad that man's okay. Long live Trump. Let's go baby Trump 2024."

The deadly shooting resulted in the death of one crowd member and left two others critically injured. Law enforcement officials identified the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was shot dead by a US Secret Service sniper. Crooks, armed with an "AR-style rifle," had fired from a rooftop 130 yards away from where Trump stood.

Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks, told CNN of his confusion and how he intended to figure out "what the hell is going on" but would "wait until I talk to law enforcement" before speaking. 

In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response.

"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," he said on social media. "Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening. I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response."

"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Trump added.

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