President Donald Trump delivered an official statement to the American people on Sunday, marking one year since gunman Thomas Crooks opened fire at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump reiterated his belief that God spared his life that day for a purpose.
“One year ago today, at 6:11 pm—eight minutes after taking the stage on the grounds of Butler Farms to address thousands of Americans gathered at a campaign rally—rifle fire broke out, and an assassin’s bullet came within a quarter inch of ending my life and silencing our movement to restore American greatness,” Trump said in a statement on Sunday.
“Yet, by the hand of providence and the grace of Almighty God, my life was spared,” he continued. “As we commemorate one year since the harrowing events of July 13, 2024, we reaffirm that the American spirit has and will always triumph over forces of evil and destruction.”
The president commended those who rushed to help the victims at the rally, including first responders and ordinary rally attendees who, he said, “left as heroes.”
“Those who carry scars from that July evening defended our Republic during one of our nation’s darkest hours—running to the injured amid chaos and uncertainty to provide comfort and lifesaving care,” Trump said.
He added that doctors and first responders rushed to help the wounded, while rallygoers guided their fellow citizens to safety and “patriots raised their fists in the air in an outpouring of support and national pride.”
“These men and women arrived at the rally grounds as ordinary Americans, but left as heroes,” Trump said. “They represent the very best of our nation, and we are forever indebted for their kindness and compassion.”
Trump continued: “It remains my firm conviction that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose: to restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin. One year after the attempt on my life in Butler, our country is in the midst of a new Golden Age. History will remember the would-be assassin for his cowardice and failure, but the magnificent legacy of the heroes of July 13, 2024, will forever be etched upon the heart of our Nation. Today, we pay tribute to their spirit of love, unity, and resilience—and we proclaim with one voice the epic battle cry that has reverberated all across the world: ‘Fight, fight, fight!’”
Statement from The White House on the one year anniversary of the assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/TVn8pNONFm
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) July 14, 2025
Trump also highlighted Corey Comperatore, the rally attendee who was killed protecting his family during the event.
“The world will never forget the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, veteran, and devoted husband and father,” Trump said. “When gunfire erupted, Corey did not hesitate to protect his wife and two daughters. He died a hero, and we are eternally grateful for his inspiring love, valor, and faithfulness.”
The official White House account also shared a video of Comperatore’s family, saying Corey’s courage and love for his family reflect “the very best of America.”
Watch the clip below:
One year later, our hearts remain with the Comperatore family. Corey’s courage and love for his family reflect the very best of America. President Trump remains committed to honoring Corey’s legacy and securing justice in his name. pic.twitter.com/NysOfoFgdV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 13, 2025
More over at Fox News:
Trump says 'American spirit' triumphs over 'forces of evil' on anniversary of Butler assassination attempthttps://t.co/vcnndLbrLL
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) July 14, 2025
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