BUTLER, Pa. (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump remembered the assassination attempt on him at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, one year ago. He criticized the U.S. Secret Service for what a new Senate report calls “unacceptable failures” in preventing the attack.
On July 13, 2024, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire just minutes after Trump began speaking. A bullet grazed Trump’s right ear. Three people were hit, including firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life while protecting his family. Authorities later shot and killed Crooks from a nearby building.
In a statement released Sunday, Trump spoke about the violence that nearly took his life. “Through the providence of God and the favor of Almighty God, my life was saved,” he said. “We reaffirm that the American spirit has and always will overcome evil forces.”
He thanked the first responders, rally attendees, and medics who acted quickly, calling them “heroes” who represent the “best of our Nation.” Trump gave special praise to Comperatore, saying he sacrificed his life without hesitation.
“Corey passed away a hero,” Trump stated. “We owe a debt of gratitude forever for his courageous love, bravery, and loyalty.” As the nation marks the anniversary, a Senate report last week from the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee revealed significant failures by the Secret Service.
The report indicated that Crooks had been on a nearby rooftop for about 45 minutes before the attack. During that time, agents did not see or stop him.
Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., found the report’s findings troubling. He called the Secret Service’s response to the incident “inexcusable.” He also said that the current penalties for those involved do not reflect the seriousness of the failure.
“The consequences given so far do not fit the gravity of the situation,” Paul said in the report.
The gunman fired eight shots. Despite heavy security and a large crowd, Crooks managed to reach a vantage point just outside the main rally area. This showed gaps in planning and response.
The report recommended stricter disciplinary measures and better training. It also called for new procedures to prevent future security breaches, especially at high-profile political events.
Trump, who returned to the campaign trail shortly after the shooting, believes his survival served a greater purpose. “It is still my firm belief that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose,” he declared. “To restore our great Republic to greatness and to save our Nation from those who would seek its destruction.”
Trump described the last year as a turning point. He thinks the nation has begun a “new Golden Age.” He portrayed the plot to kill him as part of the larger struggle of good against evil in America.
“History will remember the would-be assassin for his cowardice and failure. But the legacy of the heroes of July 13 will live forever,” he said.
Since the attack, the incident has become a rallying point for Trump supporters. The chant “Fight, fight, fight!”—which Trump shouted moments after being shot—has been echoed at campaign events and online.
Thousands returned to Butler over the weekend for memorial events. Comperatore’s family was honored at a private ceremony. Local officials also placed a wreath at the site of the attack.
Supporters claim it shows Trump’s strength and resilience. Critics argue that the tragedy revealed serious flaws in federal security procedures.
