In his first interview after the shooting incident that saw a bullet graze through his right ear, former President Donald Trump said the doctor who treated him thought his survival was nothing short of "a miracle" as he had never seen anyone survive getting hit by an AR-15.
"I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead," Trump told the New York Post during an interview aboard his private plane en route to Milwaukee for the GOP National Convention. Trump reportedly sported a large loose white bandage on his injured ear, and his team insisted no photos be taken of the former President.
Calling the encounter with death a 'surreal experience', Trump said: "The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle".
Trump said he would have been dead had he not turned his head to the right to read the chart on illegal immigrants, thereby dodging the bullet, which would otherwise have struck his forehead and cheek. He wanted to continue his speech but the Secret Service agents insisted he leave the stage as they had to get him to a hospital. The Republican nominee also thanked the agents for doing a "fantastic job", marvelling at how they came flying in like they were "linebackers".
As the agents tried to escort him off the stage, Trump was heard saying "Wait, I want to get my shoes". He explained: "The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight."
He said he thought the Secret Service personnel did a fantastic job, taking down the shooter. "They took him out with one shot right between the eyes. They did a fantastic job," Trump said. "It’s surreal for all of us."
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The suspect, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was perched on the rooftop about 130 yards from the stage where the rally was being held.
As they tried to usher him offstage, Trump said: "wait, wait, wait,". He then pumped his fist, mouthing "fight". The image of him surrounded by Secret Service agents, with a raised fist, went viral, with many calling it "iconic'.
To this, Trump said: "A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen," Trump said. "They’re right and I didn’t die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture."
"By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here," he said. The former President said he appreciated the call from President Biden, calling it "fine" and said Biden was "very nice."
