How Trump’s split-second head turn may have saved his life from assassin’s bullet

Introduction

On a fateful Saturday evening at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump found himself mere inches away from a tragic fate. As he addressed the crowd, a split-second turn of his head ended up being the difference between life and death, an expert has revealed.

Matthew Thomas Crooks opened fire with an AK-style weapon before he was shot dead by the Secret Service.
Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was killed at the scene. Obtained by NY Post
Republican candidate Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face moments after an attempt on his life.
Republican candidate Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face moments after an attempt on his life. AFP via Getty Images

Trump’s Last-Minute Adjustment

According to senior adviser Dan Scavino Jr., Trump’s decision to turn his head to the right was simply to “use and reference the jumbotron” at the rally. However, this small adjustment proved to be pivotal, as it caused the bullet aimed at his head to skim his ear rather than penetrate his skull.

The Sniper’s Deadly Aim

Israeli Special Operations veteran Aaron Cohen explained the precision of the shooter’s tactics, stating that snipers are typically trained to target the cerebral cortex of the cerebellum at the top of the brain stem. “It incapacitates you, it keeps your hands from moving,” Cohen said, emphasizing the lethality of the shot. The fact that the distance was only 130 yards, “a putt” for an experienced marksman, made the near-miss all the more chilling.

Trump, 78, turned his head just as the shooter fired the would-be "kill shot."
Trump, 78, turned his head right as the shooter fired the would-be “kill shot,” experts said. Anadolu via Getty Images
Israeli Special Operations veteran Aaron Cohen tells Fox News how Trump avoided being killed. Fox News

The Secret Service’s Delayed Response

While Trump’s last-second turn may have saved his life, some former federal agents have expressed concerns about the Secret Service’s handling of the situation. Former FBI Special Agent Jonathan Gilliam was “astounded” at the apparent delay in getting Trump off the stage and into a secure vehicle, stating that it “was a lifetime from a protection standpoint.”

Trump raised a fist to the crowd as the Secret Service ushered him off stage.
A wounded Trump raised a fist to the crowd as the Secret Service ushered him off stage. AP

The Aftermath and Trump’s Resilience

Despite the harrowing ordeal, Trump was examined at Butler Memorial Hospital and was back in New Jersey early the next day. Undeterred, the Republican presidential candidate will attend the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee as planned, demonstrating his unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

A full breakdown of the shooting Saturday. Crooks’ car was reportedly found nearby with explosives inside.

Conclusion

The attempted assassination on Donald Trump’s life has left the nation shaken, but the former president’s miraculous escape has also served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in the realm of political security. As the investigation into the shooting continues, the world watches closely, captivated by the chilling details and Trump’s resilience in the face of such a terrifying ordeal.

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