Amid the fervent cheers and waving flags of a packed Trump rally, a deadly danger lurked unnoticed.
How did a gunman slip past layers of security to ascend a rooftop armed and ready to strike? Was this simply a failure of protocol, or a terrifying sign of something more sinister brewing beneath the surface?
As details unravel, the nation grapples with whether this was a lone attack—or a near-catastrophic breach that could have altered the course of history.
Trump Breaks His Silence: ‘I Got Whacked’ — And Honors the Hero Who Saved Him
The sharp crack of gunfire on a summer day in July 2024 didn’t just rattle an event—it sent shockwaves through the entire country.
Former President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt that could have changed everything. Now, nearly a year later, he’s finally sharing his story in an intimate interview.
Speaking candidly with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, he revisits that terrifying day and pays tribute to those who put their lives on the line to protect him.
A Bullet Whizzes By
On July 13, 2024, as Trump addressed a crowd in Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks climbed onto a nearby rooftop and opened fire.
A bullet grazed Trump’s ear, another tragically took the life of Corey Comperatore—a retired fire chief attending with his family. Two more attendees sustained serious injuries before a Secret Service sniper neutralized the threat.
‘I Got Whacked’
“I’ll never forget it,” Trump reflected. “I didn’t even know what hit me at first. I got whacked — no question.”
He described the chaos: “I dropped down fast. People were screaming. They fired about eight shots.”
“One hit me. Another hit someone else. And then there was Corey—the firefighter. Great guy.”
Gratitude Mixed with Hard Truths
Trump expressed deep appreciation for the Secret Service but didn’t shy away from acknowledging critical failures.
“They had a bad day,” he admitted. “I still trust them—they’re dedicated and skilled. But that day was rough, and I think they’ll agree.”
He pointed to breakdowns in coordination: “There should have been someone on that roof. Communication with local law enforcement was weak. That should never have happened.”
Six agents, including Myosoty Perez—responsible for securing the area—were suspended amid ongoing investigations. Perez’s lawyer emphasized she wasn’t in charge of the full operation and is weighing legal options. Corey Comperatore’s widow laid the blame squarely: “Our blood is on their hands.”
The Sniper Who Ended It
Trump reserved his highest praise for the sniper he identified only as “David.”
“He stayed calm. Took the shot in under four seconds—and stopped it all. Nailed the shooter from long range,” Trump said. “We were lucky that day because of him.”
A Second Narrow Escape
Unbelievably, the Pennsylvania attack was not isolated. Weeks later, at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club, Secret Service agents shot another man aiming a gun through the perimeter—another brush with death that went public.
Conclusion
The July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump was a stark reminder of the dangers faced in today’s polarized landscape—a day marked by tragedy, heroism, and failure. Trump’s rare recounting illuminates the chaos as bullets flew and lives changed forever. Though he survived with minor injuries, the loss of Corey Comperatore and the wounds of others underscore the deadly cost of security lapses.
As investigations proceed and responsibility is sorted, Trump’s praise for the quick-acting sniper contrasts sharply with his harsh critique of systemic failures. This close call has not only reshaped Trump’s outlook but reignited urgent debates on public safety, preparedness, and the courage of those sworn to protect.