Former United States President Donald Trump, a day after surviving an assassination attempt, reflected on the incident, stating, "I’m not supposed to be here; I’m supposed to be dead." The 78-year-old leader, in an interview with the New York Post, described the ordeal as a “surreal experience” and credited his survival to "luck or by God."

Trump was on his way to deliver an address at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee when the attempt on his life occurred. He recounted, "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." He emphasized that the bullet could have easily been fatal.

Tragically, a spectator at the rally was killed, and two others were critically wounded. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania, who was shot dead by Secret Service agents after he opened fire from a rooftop approximately 140 meters from the stage.

Trump, with a white bandage covering his right ear, told the Post that doctors described his survival as a "miracle." Despite the close call, Trump remained undeterred. Shortly after the incident, he raised his fist in defiance and declared, “Fight.”

“A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen,” Trump remarked. “They’re right, and I didn’t die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture.”

Trump shared that he initially wanted to continue his speech after being shot, but Secret Service agents insisted on taking him to the hospital. "I just wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot," he said.

The New York Post reported that Trump’s aides did not permit any photographs of him to be taken at the hospital.