Trump Reflects on Assassination Attempt Nearly a Year Later

Almost a year after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump discussed the “unforgettable” event during an interview with Fox News. He expressed gratitude for the quick response that likely saved his life.

“I wasn’t fully aware of what was happening. I just banged,” Trump recounted in an exclusive segment of “My Views with Lala Trump.” He noted, “People were screaming, and thankfully, I got down quickly because I believe they fired eight bullets.”

The assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, shot at Trump from a rooftop during a rally on July 13, 2024. Tragically, Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old firefighter, was among those injured while trying to shield his family from harm.

Trump honored Comperatore during his conversation with Lara Trump. “One got me, one got another, and then killed Corey, the firefighter. A great man,” he said.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Secret Service agents swiftly attempted to protect Trump, who was left with a bloodied face. Crooks was fatally shot seconds later by a Secret Service sniper. Trump acknowledged the sniper’s quick action, believing it prevented even more tragedies that day. “Our sniper could get him from long range with one shot in less than five seconds,” Trump commented. “If he hadn’t done that, things could have been worse. It was really bad.”

Trump referred to the sniper as “David,” emphasizing the importance of his rapid response. “It took about four seconds for everything to stop,” he noted, feeling fortunate given the circumstances.

Despite investigations by the FBI and Department of Justice, an official motive for Crooks’ actions has yet to be disclosed. Recently, six Secret Service agents have been suspended without pay related to the incident. A Senate report is anticipated, detailing the failures on that day.

In the months since the shooting, there have been calls for greater transparency, including from Trump himself. However, he mentioned he was satisfied with the briefings he received, praising Attorney General Pam Bondy for her effective leadership within the Department of Justice.

Still, Trump candidly acknowledged a significant security oversight had occurred. “They should have had someone in the building—that was a mistake. They should have communicated with local law enforcement. They needed to be coordinated,” he said.

The disconnection between local police and the Secret Service emerged as a primary concern following the attack. Despite his own injuries and the chaos of that day, Trump maintained his trust in federal authorities, expressing confidence in their abilities. “I have a lot of faith in these people. They’re very talented, capable, but they had a bad day. I think they know it too—they had a rough day,” he concluded.