Trump credits border patrol chart for saving him as doc reveals ex-POTUS was quarter of an inch from death
Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: Former president Donald Trump narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. As Trump was delivering his speech, he glanced at a border patrol statistics chart displayed next to the stage. This seemingly minor action turned out to be pivotal.
A gunman, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, had took aim at Trump. According to Fox News’ Brett Baier, Trump recounted in a phone interview that he looked at the chart "early" causing the bullet to hit his ear instead of his head.
“He goes, ‘The border patrol saved my life,’” Rep Ronny Jackson (R-TX), who had served as his White House physician, told the New York Times. “‘I was going over that border patrol chart.’ He said, ‘If I hadn’t pointed at that chart and turned my head to look at it, that bullet would have hit me right in the head.,” Jackson said.
Donald Trump feels 'blessed to be where he is today'
The former president described the sequence of events as happening "so quickly." As soon as the shot was fired, Secret Service agents immediately protected Trump, who dropped to the ground. Brett Baier shared that Trump was "amazed that it happened" and felt "blessed to be where he is today."
New York Times photographer Doug Mills captured a dramatic image showing the bullet flying through the air. Trump mentioned that his doctor said, "If that bullet was a quarter of an inch different position, he would not be talking to that doctor today."
A remarkable photo captured by my former White House Press Corps colleague Doug Mills.
— Haraz N. Ghanbari (@HarazGhanbari) July 14, 2024
Zoom in right above President Trump’s shoulder and you’ll see a bullet flying in the air to the right of President Trump’s head following an attempted assassination. pic.twitter.com/FqmLBCytoW
Despite the chaotic situation, Trump “really wanted to go back and say a couple of things, but the Secret Service had none of that,” Baier said, noting how the former POTUS “wanted to express to the crowd that he was okay.”
The incident, which also resulted in the death of one spectator, prompted an extensive investigation. The FBI is treating the attack as a potential act of domestic terrorism. Despite the thorough investigation, no clear ideological motive for Crooks' actions has been identified.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, urging the public not to jump to conclusions about the shooter's motives.
“I urge everyone — everyone, please, don’t make assumptions about his motives or his affiliations,” Biden said in remarks Sunday from the White House. “Let the FBI do their job, and their partner agencies do their job. I’ve instructed that this investigation be thorough and swift.”
The FBI disclosed that Crooks had bomb-making materials in his car, suggesting he might have planned further violence. However, investigators found no evidence of threatening comments on his social media accounts or any ideological stance that could explain his actions.
Donald Trump's recovery and RNC plans
Following the shooting, Trump was taken to a nearby hospital for a medical checkup and then flew to New Jersey. Despite the harrowing experience, he announced on Truth Social that he would attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee as planned, the New York Post reported.
Brett Baier mentioned that Trump might address the shooting during the convention and hinted at possible changes in the event's agenda, including the decision to invite former 2024 rival Nikki Haley to speak. He “will make [the shooting] a theme here in the convention and may be making some changes based on what he says, what others are doing,” Baier said.
In the aftermath of the incident, Trump received a phone call from President Biden. According to Baier, Trump praised Biden for reaching out and offering condolences for the rally attendee who was fatally shot.
“He praised President Biden for the phone call that he gave him,” Baier said, adding, “He’s worried about how things are going to develop in the country, but said he’s really pleased with how the Secret Service acted."
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