It has been nearly a year since the chilling and jaw-dropping moment in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a would-be assassin opened fire at then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. This moment, which many feared could have been fatal, became a defining chapter in Trump’s political comeback as he overcame the terrifying assassination attempt. In an exclusive excerpt from the upcoming book 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, obtained by The Washington Post, Trump shared his perspective on the events that followed the shooting, revealing just how close he came to death.
The book explores not just the immediate aftermath of the shooting, but the long-lasting impact it had on Trump’s image, his political fortunes, and his relationship with former critics. This assassination attempt, which took place on July 13, 2023, set the stage for a remarkable transformation in Trump’s campaign.
The Butler Assassination Attempt: A Close Call
A Bullet Fired at Trump
On that fateful day, Trump had just stepped off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a sniper, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, took aim at the former president. Positioned on a rooftop about 100 yards away from the rally, Crooks fired at Trump. The shot rang out, sending immediate shockwaves through the crowd and the Secret Service. Trump was caught in the crosshairs of a life-threatening assassination attempt.
In an extraordinary display of professionalism and quick action, Secret Service agents immediately rushed Trump, tackling him to the ground and securing him away from the sniper’s line of fire. They quickly evacuated him from the venue, and the chaos that ensued was the stuff of nightmares. The attack on Trump was the last thing anyone had expected, yet it happened so suddenly and with such precision that even those closest to him feared for the worst.
The book reveals that, despite the severity of the situation, Trump was surprisingly composed. “Trump was sitting up in bed, still wearing his suit. A bandage covered his ear. There was blood everywhere,” the book recounts. The amount of blood was so severe that even his closest aides were convinced that Trump had been shot multiple times. The bleeding was intense and far beyond what anyone had anticipated, which led to serious concerns about his condition.
Trump himself later recalled the harrowing experience, commenting in an interview that the blood loss was so substantial that it almost felt like he was losing control. “It was bleeding like a b****,” Trump said, referring to the amount of blood he was losing. However, despite the traumatic events and the grave situation, Trump showed a level of resilience that was almost unexpected.
The Humor That Followed: Trump’s Resilience in the Face of Danger
One of the most striking aspects of Trump’s recovery was his ability to inject humor into the situation, even in the face of danger. Within hours of the assassination attempt, Trump began making jokes, lightening the mood in what could have been a grim and somber hospital room. His aides, who were initially shaken by the gravity of the situation, began to relax when they realized Trump was alive and in relatively good spirits.
According to the book, this was a defining moment for Trump’s resilience. “They realized he was alright because he started making jokes,” the authors write. His ability to regain his sense of humor, even in the midst of such a traumatic event, reflected his mental strength and determination to survive. This humor became a hallmark of his recovery, and his aides quickly saw that Trump’s toughness extended beyond just his physical survival—it was a mental and emotional strength that helped him recover.
Trump’s Comeback and the Transformation of His Campaign
From Candidate to Survivor
What was initially seen as a near-fatal event quickly became a cornerstone of Trump’s political comeback. In the days that followed the assassination attempt, Trump’s image shifted dramatically. He was no longer just a candidate seeking re-election; he had become a survivor of a potentially fatal attack. This brush with death, coupled with his remarkable recovery, reinvigorated his supporters and even drew praise from his former critics. The assassination attempt added a new dimension to Trump’s public persona. He was no longer just another political figure—he had become a symbol of survival, resilience, and perseverance.
Trump himself reflected on the close proximity of the shot during an interview. “130 yards is like sinking a one-foot putt,” he said, referring to the sniper’s distance. “It’s considered really close,” he continued, emphasizing just how close he came to death. The fact that he was able to survive such a close-range attack only added to the narrative of his political comeback, making him a more formidable figure in the eyes of both supporters and detractors.
The Impact on His 2024 Campaign
In the wake of the shooting, Trump’s campaign took on a new tone. The narrative was no longer solely about policy or rhetoric—it was about survival. His strength in the face of adversity became a major talking point. His supporters rallied behind him, viewing him as a figure who had not only withstood a deadly attack but had emerged even stronger for it. The symbolism of his survival resonated deeply with his base, who saw it as evidence of his resilience and determination.
Additionally, Trump’s recovery process and his response to the assassination attempt marked a turning point in the 2024 election race. His campaign, which had initially been struggling to gain momentum, saw a surge in support as people rallied around his story of survival. The moment of his near-death experience became a powerful symbol, solidifying his place in the race and giving him a renewed sense of political legitimacy.
Unexpected Support from Former Critics
What was even more surprising, however, was the shift in attitude from some of Trump’s most vocal critics. Figures like Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, had long been antagonistic toward Trump. However, after witnessing his survival of the assassination attempt, both men publicly reassessed their views of the former president.
Bezos, in particular, was quoted as saying that Trump’s instincts showed who he was as a person. “Bezos said Trump’s instincts showed who he was, and he wanted them to have a friendship,” the book reveals. For many observers, this marked a dramatic shift in the political landscape. Some of Trump’s fiercest critics were now reaching out, acknowledging his strength and resilience.
Zuckerberg, too, was impressed by Trump’s ability to recover from such a traumatic event. Describing the moment when Trump pumped his fist in the air after the shooting, Zuckerberg remarked that it was “one of the most badass things” he’d ever seen. This unexpected support from two of Silicon Valley’s most influential figures illustrated just how transformative the assassination attempt had been for Trump’s public image.
The Aftermath: A Call with Joe Biden
A Brief but Civil Exchange
After the assassination attempt, even President Joe Biden, Trump’s political rival, reached out to offer his support. Despite their tense exchange during the debates just weeks earlier, Biden initiated a brief phone call with Trump to check on his well-being. The call, though awkward and brief, was a rare moment of civility between the two political adversaries.
“The exchange was awkward after their tense debate just two weeks earlier,” the book recounts. “The call was brief. But Trump described it as ‘very nice, actually.’” This moment of political reconciliation was symbolic of the larger political landscape in which both men were operating. The shooting had forced them to momentarily put aside their differences and engage in a civil exchange, if only for a short while.
Reuniting with Family: Melania Trump’s Support
Trump’s wife, Melania Trump, was waiting for him at their Bedminster, New Jersey estate when he was discharged from the hospital. The reunion between the two after the harrowing incident was deeply emotional, with Melania offering her support and comfort. In a moment of vulnerability, Trump leaned on his family, and his wife’s presence provided him with much-needed emotional strength.
Melania’s support was pivotal in Trump’s recovery, both physically and emotionally. Their bond, which had often been scrutinized by the public, became a symbol of the strength of their family. For Trump, the shooting incident served not only as a test of his own resilience but also a reminder of the importance of family and love in times of crisis.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Trump’s Political Journey
The assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, was a pivotal moment in Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. What started as a near-fatal event became the cornerstone of his comeback narrative. Trump’s ability to survive the attack, coupled with his resilience and ability to recover quickly, changed the trajectory of his political career.
In the weeks and months that followed, Trump’s image transformed from a controversial candidate to a political survivor. His story of overcoming the assassination attempt became a powerful symbol of strength and resilience that resonated deeply with both his supporters and even some of his critics. The shooting incident not only solidified his place in the 2024 race but also redefined his public image in ways that few could have predicted.
This moment in Trump’s political journey underscores the unpredictability of American politics and the lengths to which candidates must go to win the hearts and minds of the electorate. Whether Trump ultimately retakes the White House in 2024 or not, the Butler assassination attempt will remain a defining chapter in his remarkable political saga.
Weak and helpless, a dying puppy faces its final moments
Weak and helpless, a dying puppy faces its final moments…Until the mother dog’s next move leaves many in awe – vidchoHG
On a dusty roadside in a quiet village, a scene unfolded that seemed at first too ordinary to notice. A litter of puppies, born only days earlier, wriggled clumsily beside their mother. Yet one of them, the weakest of the group, lay still. Its tiny chest rose only faintly, its paws limp, as though life itself had already begun to slip away. What followed, however, was anything but ordinary.
FBI Raids John Bolton’s Home in Investigation Over Classified Documents Handling
In a dramatic development on Friday, FBI agents raided the Maryland residence of former national security adviser John Bolton, as part of a renewed investigation into his handling of classified documents.The raid, which took place around 7 a.m. at Bolton’s home in Bethesda, Maryland, was ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel. This investigation has been a long time coming, stemming from an earlier probe initiated during the Trump administration but later shelved under the Biden administration.According to reports, the FBI’s action marked a significant escalation in ongoing efforts to address national security concerns regarding classified information. The raid further intensifies scrutiny on high-profile individuals, including Bolton, who have faced allegations of mishandling classified materials.The FBI’s operation on Bolton’s home comes as part of a broader investigation into his handling of sensitive materials while serving as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser.
The raid was authorized under the direction of Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official who has since been vocal about rooting out corruption within federal agencies. Patel shared a cryptic post on X, declaring, “NO ONE is above the law… @FBI agents on mission,” shortly after the operation began.At the time of writing, no additional details regarding the raid were available, and Bolton had not immediately responded to requests for comment.While the exact nature of the evidence or documents seized remains unclear, the raid highlights ongoing concerns over classified material, particularly regarding former government officials who leave office but retain sensitive information. The inquiry into Bolton’s actions regarding classified documents dates back to 2020, during his time as national security adviser under Trump. Bolton’s memoir, “The Room Where It Happened,” which was published in 2020, became the subject of significant controversy.
The book, which provided an insider’s account of Bolton’s time in the White House, was criticized by President Trump and his allies, who argued that it contained classified national security information.In response to concerns over potential breaches of national security, the Trump administration sought to block the publication of Bolton’s book. They argued that it violated a nondisclosure agreement that Bolton had signed while serving in office.Following the controversy, the Department of Justice launched an inquiry into whether Bolton had mishandled classified materials or violated federal law.Despite the inquiry, no charges were filed against Bolton at that time. The probe, originally initiated during Trump’s first term, was shelved when the Biden administration took office in 2021.However, under Patel’s direction, the investigation has been revived, signaling a renewed focus on individuals who may have mishandled sensitive national security information.John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has long been a polarizing figure in American politics. Once an ally of President Trump, Bolton became one of the president’s sharpest critics after his departure from the White House in 2019.Bolton frequently appeared on cable news to voice his opposition to Trump’s foreign policy, and his public criticism of the administration became a notable part of his post-government career.“The Room Where It Happened” was Bolton’s attempt to provide his perspective on his time in the Trump White House, offering detailed accounts of key moments in U.S. foreign policy.
The book sparked a firestorm of controversy, particularly due to its portrayal of Trump’s foreign policy decisions and his approach to key international crises, including his handling of the relationship with Ukraine.Trump’s efforts to prevent the publication of the book centered around the argument that Bolton had failed to submit the manuscript for review before release, potentially putting national security at risk.The Justice Department initiated an inquiry to determine whether Bolton had disclosed classified information that could compromise national security. While no charges were filed following this investigation, the controversy continued to simmer, culminating in the current probe into Bolton’s handling of sensitive materials.The raid on Bolton’s home is part of a broader set of efforts by Kash Patel to address what he sees as misconduct and corruption within federal agencies, especially those involved in national security.Patel, a former Trump official, has made it his mission to expose what he perceives as institutional failures within the FBI and other government agencies.Patel has been vocal about his desire to hold officials accountable for their actions during the Trump administration, particularly with regard to the Russia investigation and the handling of classified information.Just a day before the Bolton raid, Patel revealed newly declassified memos that showed former FBI Director James Comey authorized classified leaks ahead of the 2016 election.The release of these memos has intensified scrutiny of Comey’s actions and raised questions about the FBI’s conduct during a critical time in U.S. politics.
Patel’s pursuit of transparency in government operations has put him at odds with some of the highest-ranking figures in the federal bureaucracy, and his recent actions signal a growing push to address perceived abuses of power within these institutions.The newly declassified memos relating to former FBI Director James Comey add another layer to the growing scrutiny of misconduct within the federal government.The memos, which were initially redacted by the Justice Department, detail how Comey allegedly authorized the leaking of classified information to The New York Times during the 2016 presidential election. This action contradicted Comey’s sworn testimony before Congress, where he had denied authorizing any leaks.The memos, which were uncovered by Patel’s team, indicate that former FBI officials James Baker and James Rybicki played a role in facilitating the leaks.According to one summary memo, U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents determined that Baker had disclosed classified materials to the media because he believed he was “ultimately instructed and authorized” by Comey. Baker, in turn, claimed that the order came from Rybicki, who said the directive originated from Comey.Patel has expressed outrage over the contents of the memos, stating that they reveal how former FBI leadership authorized leaks and withheld crucial information from Congress and the American people.”Thanks to President Trump’s commitment to transparency, the cover-up is being exposed,” Patel remarked. “The public deserves nothing less than full accountability.”This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive information and raises new questions about the bureau’s actions leading up to the 2016 election.
Patel’s efforts to uncover the truth about these leaks have been met with strong criticism from some quarters, while others applaud his determination to hold the FBI accountable.The newly declassified memos and the ongoing investigation into John Bolton are indicative of the high-stakes nature of the current legal battles surrounding classified information.Legal experts have noted that the statute of limitations for federal crimes typically lasts five years, but this period can be extended for espionage-related offenses that harm national security or if the criminal activity is part of a broader conspiracy.Given the gravity of the charges related to the unauthorized disclosure of classified materials, both Bolton’s case and the revelations about Comey’s actions have the potential to lead to significant legal and political consequences.Some legal scholars suggest that the timing of these developments may be part of a broader effort to address national security breaches that have been simmering for years.The potential for charges to be brought against individuals involved in these leaks or classified document mishandling cases could lead to a prolonged period of legal battles.Whether these individuals will face prosecution or legal consequences remains to be seen, but the growing body of evidence and the high-profile nature of the cases suggest that the stakes are extraordinarily high.The FBI raid on John Bolton’s home, combined with the declassification of memos related to former FBI Director James Comey’s leaks, signals a new chapter in the ongoing battle for accountability and transparency within the federal government.
