It has been nearly a year since the chilling and jaw-dropping moment in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a would-be assassin opened fire on then–presidential candidate Donald Trump. What could have become one of the most tragic turning points in modern American political history instead became a defining chapter in Trump’s dramatic political resurgence. The terrifying episode, which unfolded in broad daylight before a crowd of supporters, reshaped not only his campaign but also the national conversation about political violence, security, and resilience.
In an exclusive excerpt obtained by The Washington Post from the forthcoming book 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, Trump recounts the moments surrounding the shooting and reflects on how close he believes he came to losing his life. According to the book, the experience left a profound emotional imprint on him and those around him, intensifying both his sense of purpose and the loyalty of his supporters.
The Butler Assassination Attempt: A Close Call
The rally took place in Butler, a location chosen to energize a critical segment of voters. The atmosphere had been typical of Trump’s campaign events—loud, celebratory, and charged with anticipation. Supporters waved signs, cheered enthusiastically, and listened closely as he delivered remarks focused on the economy, border security, and what he framed as the stakes of the 2024 election.
But the mood shifted in an instant.
A Bullet Fired at Trump
As Trump concluded his remarks and began moving off stage, a single shot rang out from a nearby rooftop approximately 100 yards away. The gunman, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, had positioned himself with a clear line of sight to the stage. Panic spread rapidly through the crowd as Secret Service agents reacted within seconds, moving to shield and evacuate the candidate.
The sound of the shot was initially met with confusion—some attendees thought it might have been fireworks or a loudspeaker malfunction. But the sight of agents rushing toward Trump and the sudden surge of security personnel made the reality unmistakable: this was an assassination attempt.
According to accounts detailed in the book, Trump later described the experience as surreal. He reportedly became aware of the danger almost simultaneously with the crack of the rifle. In his telling, the moment felt both instantaneous and prolonged, as adrenaline sharpened his senses. He has suggested that a slight turn of his head at a crucial second may have altered the bullet’s trajectory enough to spare his life.
Immediate Aftermath and Security Response
The swift action of the United States Secret Service prevented what could have been a national tragedy. Agents secured Trump, rushed him to safety, and quickly established control over the area. Law enforcement neutralized the threat, and emergency responders treated those affected amid scenes of chaos and fear.
Images and videos from the rally spread rapidly across social media and cable news, dominating headlines within minutes. The country watched in shock as details emerged about the shooter, his vantage point, and the narrow margin by which the attack failed to achieve its apparent objective.
Political and Personal Impact
The assassination attempt marked a turning point in Trump’s campaign. Politically, it galvanized his base and drew expressions of sympathy from figures across the political spectrum. Even some longtime critics publicly condemned the violence and emphasized that political disagreements must never escalate into bloodshed.
The book argues that the incident contributed significantly to Trump’s political comeback. Supporters framed his survival as a testament to resilience and destiny, while campaign strategists recalibrated messaging to emphasize strength under pressure and the dangers facing the nation. Fundraising reportedly surged in the weeks that followed, and rally attendance grew as supporters sought to demonstrate solidarity.
On a personal level, Trump is said to have reflected deeply on the fragility of life and the intensity of public service. The near-fatal experience reportedly reinforced his determination to continue campaigning, portraying himself as a leader who had faced mortal danger and persevered.
A Defining Chapter in Modern Politics
Beyond its immediate political consequences, the Butler shooting intensified broader debates about security at public events, the tone of political rhetoric, and the risks faced by public officials. It underscored how volatile the political climate had become and served as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in national leadership contests.
Nearly a year later, the Butler assassination attempt remains etched in the public memory as one of the most dramatic and consequential moments of the 2024 election cycle. What began as a routine campaign rally transformed into a historic episode—one that reshaped narratives, influenced voter perceptions, and added a powerful new dimension to Trump’s political identity.
In the unfolding story of the 2024 election, the events in Butler stand as a stark illustration of how swiftly history can turn—and how a single moment can redefine a campaign, a candidate, and perhaps even a country.
