Trump gives first interview since ‘surreal’ weekend rally assassination attempt

Sarah Keszler
7NEWS
Security has been ramped up across America as an already hot election campaign turns fever pitch. Today Trump flew into Milwaukee where the Republican Party Convention will formally endorse him as its nominee for President.

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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“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.”

Former President Donald Trump arrives in Milwaukee.
Former President Donald Trump arrives in Milwaukee just a day after he was shot in an apparent assassination attempt. Credit: X formerly Twitter/X formerly Twitter

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 was seen golfing the day after his alleged assassination attempt.
Trump was seen golfing the day after his alleged assassination attempt. Credit: Supplied

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.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Donald Trump tells the crowd to “fight” moments after he was fired upon on Saturday (local time). Credit: Evan Vucci/AP

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.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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Revolting. Despicable. Disgusting. Why anniversary rallies must be banned.