News
‘I Was Saved by Luck or God,’ Trump Says After Assassination Attempt
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his belief that he survived an assassination attempt “by luck or by God.” Reflecting on the incident at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump told conservative media that he was fortunate to be alive after a bullet grazed his ear.
“The most incredible thing was that I happened to not only turn [my head] but to turn at the exact right time and in just the right amount,” Trump recounted, emphasizing how close he came to death. “I’m supposed to be dead, I’m not supposed to be here.”
The attack resulted in the death of one spectator and serious injuries to two others. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by Secret Service agents. Trump described the moment he realized he had been shot and the crowd’s reaction. “The energy coming from the people there in that moment, they just stood there. It’s hard to describe what that felt like, but I knew the world was looking. I knew that history would judge this, and I knew I had to let them know we are OK,” he told the Washington Examiner.
As Trump prepared to leave for the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he is expected to be confirmed as the party’s presidential candidate, he acknowledged that the incident had profoundly impacted him. He revealed that his planned speech, originally aimed at criticizing President Joe Biden’s policies, would now focus on unity. “Had [Saturday’s attack] not happened, this would’ve been one of the most incredible speeches. Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now. It is a chance to bring the country together.”
Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social that he initially planned to delay his trip to Wisconsin but decided against it, stating, “I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling.” He affirmed that the assassination attempt “has had an impact” on him.
The motivation behind Crooks’ actions remains unclear. The FBI has indicated that Crooks likely acted alone but is continuing to investigate whether he had any assistance. The deceased spectator was identified as Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer fire chief who died protecting his family.
In the wake of the attack, President Biden called for a de-escalation of political tensions. “We cannot, must not, go down this road again. We’ve traveled it before in our history,” Biden said, citing recent instances of political violence in the US. “In America, we resolve our differences at the ballot box,” he added. “At the ballot box. Not with bullets.”
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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