During a recent rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped a fatal injury thanks to a last-minute head tilt captured in slow-motion footage.
Viral videos of the incident show Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, dodging a bullet that grazed his right ear. Internet users speculate that his quick reflexes saved him from a more severe injury.
According to reports in The New York Times, Donald Trump credited his former White House doctor, Ronny Jackson, for potentially saving his life. Trump pointed out how a border patrol chart displayed on a screen to his right led him to make a life-saving movement.
Ronny Jackson shared Trump’s sentiments, stating that if Trump hadn’t turned his head to look at the border patrol chart during the rally, the bullet would have struck him directly in the head.
Following the incident, social media platforms were flooded with posts showing Trump’s ear covered in blood as Secret Service agents rushed to shield him.
Footage from the rally clearly captured Trump’s timely head tilt that potentially saved him from harm.
Watch slow-motion footage of Trump narrowly avoiding a bullet that grazed his ear. pic.com/zNHPoRazzS
― David Gokhshtein (@davidgokhshtein) July 14, 2024
Internet users also raised questions about how the bullet might have hit Trump had he not moved his head in time.
In a new video, Trump’s quick head movement while speaking potentially saved him from serious harm. pic.com/LtNlg3u8RH
― Civic Crisis (@CivicCrisis) July 13, 2024
An additional video revealed the swift reaction of Secret Service agents as they rushed to Trump’s aid upon hearing gunshots.
A new video from behind the stage captures the moments before and after shots were fired at the Trump rally. pic.com/eO8njBARhH
― Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) July 14, 2024
Despite the chaos, Trump urged the Secret Service agents to wait before escorting him off the stage, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Even as blood flowed from his ear, Trump was swiftly taken away by the Secret Service. He defiantly pumped his fist and mouthed “fight” to the crowd, as reported by AP.
The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by the Secret Service, putting an end to the threat.
An eyewitness named Greg recounted his harrowing experience of witnessing the gunman’s actions before the incident unfolded.
The FBI is treating the incident as an assassination attempt but is yet to determine the motive behind the attack.
Following the assassination attempt, notable figures like Elon Musk voiced their support for Trump on social media, while President Joe Biden called for unity and condemnation of such acts of violence.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack as “sick” and emphasized the need for all Americans to denounce such violent actions.
