New York Times Photographer Wins Pulitzer for Capturing Trump Assassination Attempt

A photographer from The New York Times was awarded the Pulitzer Prize on Monday for an impactful image depicting an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

This incident occurred during an event on July 13, when Secret Service agents showcased several historic photos and videos. Among these was a striking moment—Trump jolting awake after being shot, while a nearby agent yelled “fight, fight, fight.” Another notable image revealed a speeding bullet near Trump’s head as he was addressing the crowd. It was a remarkable day for Doug Mills, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Shortly after the incident, Mills recounted the experience during an interview with Fox News at the Republican National Convention.

Assailant among the Crowd at Pennsylvania Rally

While at the rally, Mills described snapping a picture from below Trump, with a large flag framing the shot. “There was this flag waving just above his head,” he mentioned. As he was taking photos, the unexpected pops of gunfire led him to instinctively capture the moment. “I thought, ‘Dear God, he was shot,’” he reflected, recalling the chaos.

Without initially realizing the significance of his shots, Mills later discovered one image showcased a bullet zipping past Trump. Guided into a nearby tent, he quickly shared images of Trump raising his fist triumphantly with his editors. “I thought, ‘Oh, hell. I did capture something significant. Let’s check it out,’” he said, reliving the urgent moments that followed.

It was a surprise for Mills when he learned he had captured the bullet in the frame. Soon after sending his shots, an editor called back with the stunning news. “You won’t believe this,” she said. “We actually see a bullet flying behind his head.” Mills snapped the image using a Sony A1 camera.

Mills’s photography earned recognition with the Breaking News Photography Award for his portrayal of the attempted assassination. The New York Times also received accolades in coverage related to Sudan, Afghanistan, and Baltimore, further solidifying its journalistic impact.