Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump Discussed by Chief of Staff

On Wednesday, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wills expressed doubt about whether President Donald Trump had truly survived an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024. During a campaign rally in Butler Township, Pennsylvania, Trump suffered a slight injury to his right ear when gunfire erupted, resulting in the death of former volunteer fire chief Cory Comperatore and injuries to two others.

Wills shared insights during an interview with the “Podforce One” podcast, revealing that Trump had attempted to distract himself by asking for charts. He reportedly stated, “it’s not going to happen because it happened.”

She elaborated on the conditions of the rally, describing how, as events unfolded, Trump presented a chart on a large LED screen that was supposed to be seen last in the rotation. Wills recalled how asking Trump about the chart prompted him to lift his head slightly during the chaos.

Further commenting on the aftermath, Wills noted the intensity of the situation during the shooting and how Secret Service snipers dealt with the shooter, Thomas Michael Crooks. Trump, who remained visibly defiant despite the incident, was heard shouting “Fight!” as he raised his fist when the Secret Service moved him off-stage.

“It was just crazy the moment he was attacked,” Wills mentioned, reflecting on her feelings at the time. She expressed disbelief over the situation, stating, “I think you’re the worst. You’re not human.” Later, as they were rushed to safety, it became evident that Trump was unharmed, although the experience was understandably traumatic.

In the wake of the attack, Kimberly Cittle, who was then the Secret Service director, resigned on July 23, 2024, following a testimony before the House Oversight Committee that scrutinized security failures at the rally.

Trump faced another assassination attempt on September 25, 2024, when a Secret Service agent intervened during a golf game at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, after a man armed with a semi-automatic rifle fired a shot.