Trump

Former President Donald Trump reflected on the terrifying moment he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, telling The Post on Sunday, “I’m supposed to be dead.”

The former president shared his ordeal during an interview aboard his private plane en route to the GOP National Convention in Milwaukee.

Former President Donald Trump called the attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally a “very surreal experience.” AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Trump, sporting a large bandage over his right ear, described the incident as a “very surreal experience” and recounted how a doctor called his survival a miracle. “The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this; he called it a miracle,” Trump said. “I’m not supposed to be here; I’m supposed to be dead.”

In the interview, Trump cleared up a mystery about his shoes, which were seen falling off in the video of the shooting and its aftermath. “The agents struck me that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight,” he explained with a smile.

Trump praised the Secret Service for their heroic actions, detailing how they neutralized the shooter with a single shot. “They took him out with one shot right between the eyes,” Trump said. “They did a fantastic job. It’s surreal for all of us.”

The New York Post’s cover for Monday, July 15. NY Post

Addressing the iconic photo of him raising his fist and shouting “Fight” as agents rushed him off the stage, Trump said, “A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen. They’re right, and I didn’t die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture.”

The doctor at the local hospital, which has a trauma centre, told Trump that survival after being hit by an AR-15 was unprecedented. “By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here,” Trump said.

A motorcade waits by Trump’s plane as it lands in Milwaukee. AFP via Getty Images

One man at the rally was killed, and two others were wounded. Trump expressed his intention to visit the hospital and reach out to the families of the victims. “Get the numbers; I want to go to the hospital and call all the families,” he instructed his aides.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who spent much of the flight talking to Trump, noted the former president’s optimistic outlook. “He feels like he has a new lease on life,” Graham said.

Trump revealed that the assassination attempt had influenced his plans for his acceptance speech at the convention.

Secret Service agents rushed to protect Trump. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

“I had all prepared an extremely tough speech. It was perfect and all about the corrupt, horrible administration,” he said. “But I threw it away.” He emphasized a desire to unite the country but acknowledged the remaining deep divisions.

Trump said the Secret Service did a “fantastic job.” Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Trump expressed appreciation for a call from President Biden, describing it as “fine” and “very nice.” He also speculated that Biden might instruct the Department of Justice to drop prosecutions against him, although there has been no public indication.

The interview concluded as the plane landed in Milwaukee. Trump watched a video of the shooting on a large TV screen, visibly disturbed by how close he came to death.

Blood is coming from Trump’s ear after getting shot. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Confident in his path to victory, Trump discussed the shifted gambling odds in his favour and pondered the long-term impact of the assassination attempt versus Biden’s debate performance.

He acknowledged the deep divisions within the Democratic Party and the potential boost in support he might receive following the shooting.

Trump has run a more disciplined campaign than his first two, particularly on the issue of abortion, where he has avoided supporting a national ban and advocated for exceptions for rape, incest, and the health of the mother.

Trump told The Post that he wanted to keep speaking after getting shot. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

A full breakdown of the shooting on Saturday. Crooks’ car was reportedly found nearby with explosives inside.

The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20. AFP via Getty Images

Crooks was immediately shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Officers standing over Crooks’ body. Obtained by NY Post

Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed in the shooting. LinkedIn

As Trump prepares for his speech on Thursday, he aims to use the moment to demonstrate his commitment to unifying the nation and addressing its polarization. The speech could be a pivotal opportunity for him to show a more civil and thoughtful campaign approach, potentially aiding his quest to recapture the White House and help heal a divided America.

Dan Olczak

"Editor with expertise in politics and crime, also known for travel blogging."

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