The reality has just set in: Donald Trump recalls the bullet incident

Former US President Donald Trump narrowly avoided an assassination attempt during a public rally in Pennsylvania. Trump recounted the moment, attributing his survival to an unusual decision to glance at a screen displaying a chart while addressing the crowd. He reflected on the near-tragedy, emphasizing the improbable timing of his turn away from the audience which he believes saved his life.

"That reality is just setting in," Trump remarked to The Washington Examiner, reflecting on the incident where a bullet grazed the upper part of his right ear, narrowly missing a more critical hit. He expressed astonishment at the precise timing of his movement, which he believes thwarted the gunman's fatal shot.

What exactly happened?

The attempt on Trump's life occurred during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots from a rooftop location overlooking the stage. Crooks, who used a legally owned AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle, was subsequently shot dead by law enforcement.

Casualties occurred

The incident also tragically resulted in the death of a 50-year-old attendee and injuries to two others. Following the attempt, Trump underscored a renewed call for national unity, noting the outreach he received from individuals across political spectrums.

As Trump prepares for his upcoming address at the Republican National Convention, he acknowledged that the experience has profoundly impacted his perspective. His message has shifted towards promoting unity and rallying the nation together after the shocking event.