Trump marks one year since Butler rally shooting, praises American resilience, and honors victims and heroes.

Trump Reflects on Survival and American Spirit

President Donald Trump marked the first anniversary of the assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania, with a statement recalling the harrowing moments and honoring the spirit of those present. On July 13, 2024, then-candidate Trump was wounded at a campaign rally when a gunman fired at him from a nearby building, grazing his ear. The attack claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a local firefighter and veteran, and left two others injured.

Reflecting on the events, Trump described how, eight minutes into his speech, “rifle fire broke out, and an assassin’s bullet came within a quarter inch of ending my life and silencing our movement to restore American greatness.” He credited his survival to “the hand of providence and the grace of Almighty God,” asserting that he was spared for a purpose: to “restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin.”

Trump commended the rapid response from first responders and the courage of rally attendees, many of whom aided the injured and helped maintain calm amid chaos. “Those who carry scars from that July evening defended our Republic during one of our nation’s darkest hours—running to the injured amid chaos and uncertainty to provide comfort and lifesaving care,” he said. The president also recognized the collective resolve and patriotism displayed as “patriots raised their fists in the air in an outpouring of support and national pride.”

Honoring Victims and Examining Security Failures

Trump paid special tribute to Corey Comperatore, who was killed while shielding his family during the shooting. “He died a hero, and we are eternally grateful for his inspiring love, valor, and faithfulness,” Trump said, noting that Comperatore’s legacy would endure in the hearts of the nation. The president expressed lasting gratitude to all who intervened, declaring that “these men and women arrived at the rally grounds as ordinary Americans, but left as heroes.”

The Butler shooting exposed significant lapses in security protocols, prompting criticism of the Secret Service and leading to the resignation of its director. Subsequent incidents, including an armed intruder at a Trump golf course, have kept attention on the agency’s efforts to improve protection for the president. Under new leadership, the Secret Service has launched reforms to address the shortcomings revealed by the attack, but questions remain about how the gunman managed to execute the shooting and what motivated him.

Trump emphasized that, despite the traumatic events, the experience strengthened his resolve. “One year after the attempt on my life in Butler, our country is in the midst of a new Golden Age. History will remember the would-be assassin for his cowardice and failure, but the magnificent legacy of the heroes of July 13, 2024, will forever be etched upon the heart of our nation,” he stated.

When speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged the dangers of his office but said he chooses not to dwell on the past attack. “I have a job to do, so I don't like to think about it much. It's a little bit of a dangerous profession being president, but I really don't like to think about it. Better off not thinking about it,” he remarked.

As the anniversary is commemorated, Trump’s words serve as a reminder of the resilience and unity displayed in Butler, and the ongoing challenges in securing the nation’s leaders amid threats to American democracy.