Donald Trump Iran assassination threat: State TV shows Butler shooting, says ‘bullet won’t miss’ next time
State television in Iran appears to have broadcast a blunt, direct threat to US President Donald Trump as tensions between the nations erupt.
During a broadcast, Iran State TV aired an image of the US President that was captured moments after the attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania.
On July 13, 2024, while Mr Trump was speaking at a presidential rally, Thomas Crooks used an AR-15-style rifle to shoot at the then-presumed Republican candidate.
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Secret Service members leapt into action as other bullets were fired.
Three men watching Mr Trump speak at the rally were also shot, including 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died from his injuries.
Crooks was fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper.
Overnight, Iran broadcast an image of Mr Trump as he was taken away by Secret Service personnel, including a caption: “This time, the bullet won’t miss.”
Journalist Amichai Stein shared a screenshot of the broadcast on social media after it aired.
Middle East expert Emily Schrader also shared the image on X, saying: “Islamic Republic State TV just crossed a red line.”
“This is a direct threat against the President.”
The White House has not yet commented on the broadcast.
Tensions between the US and Iran have intensified in recent weeks as Iranian civilian protests against the regime turned deadly.
Protests are now nearing three weeks of duration, with human rights groups suggesting around 2000 people have been killed for their involvement, with other unconfirmed sources claiming the death toll is dramatically larger.
The US President has been weighing up options over military action to stop the regime killing protesters.
Over the last 24 hours, the US has told its citizens to leave Iran, it has told Iranian protesters to keep fighting as “help” is coming, and most recently, the US, along with the UK, has moved some military personnel and assets from a strategic military base in Qatar.
On Wednesday, speaking from the Oval Office, Mr Trump claimed that the killings had now stopped.
Pressed on information the US Government had to indicate this, Mr Trump said “good sources”.
