Trump gives first interview since ‘surreal’ weekend rally assassination attempt
Donald Trump has given his first interview since he was the target of a failed assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on the weekend.
The interview gave new insight into the former president’s experience, and “miraculous” survival, after he was fired upon by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon (local time).
Trump was interviewed by a New York Post journalist aboard his private jet, calling the weekend’s events a “very surreal experience”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle,” Trump, who was wearing a white bandage over his right ear, told the Post.
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead.”
The presumptive Republican nominee was at his last rally before the Republican National Convention opens Monday when apparent gunshots were heard, before Trump could be seen reaching for his right ear and ducking for cover behind the stand.
He was seen being escorted to a car by security personnel with what appeared to be blood on his face.
Trump had previously posted on his social media account, Truth Social, thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement.
“The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight,” he said.
The microphones at the podium caught security telling Trump to “get down, get down” before he is helped back up.
Trump can be heard saying “let me get my shoes”, before he was seen being escorted to a waiting car.
“The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight,” Trump told the Post.
As he stood after being shot, Trump raised his fist and said “fight” three times to the crowd as Secret Service agents attempted to bustle him offstage, the moment caught in a powerful photograph.
“A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen,” Trump said of the image.
“They’re right and I didn’t die. Usually you have to die to have an iconic picture.
“I just wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot.”
Two people were killed, including the shooter, and two others injured during the rally, with Trump telling reporters that “by luck or by God” he was still here.
