Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who survived a life-threatening shooting at a campaign rally, recalled the situation he experienced at the time.
In an interview on the 14th (local time), Trump said, "I almost died," describing the shooting as a "very surreal experience."
Trump said, "The doctor I met at the hospital said he had never seen anything like this. The doctor called it a miracle," and added, "I was not supposed to be here; I almost died."
The doctor reportedly said he had never seen anyone survive after being attacked with an AR-15 rifle. The AR-15 is a modified assault rifle originally used on battlefields, converted into a mass-produced weapon with high lethality. It is a common weapon in large-scale mass shootings in the United States.
Trump also showed reporters a large bruise on his right forearm by unbuttoning the sleeve of his white long-sleeved shirt. He explained that the bruise was caused when strong agents threw their bodies around to shield him.
In footage from the shooting, Trump is heard saying, "Let me get my shoes on," while lying face down under the podium, and he revealed the context behind this. He explained with a laugh, "The agents hit me so hard that my shoes came off. I usually wear shoes that fit perfectly."
Trump commented on a photo showing him raising his fist and shouting "Fight." He said, "Many people say that photo is the most iconic image they have ever seen. They are right, and I did not die," adding, "Usually, to have an iconic photo, you have to die. It’s either luck or divine intervention. Many people say that my being alive here is thanks to God's blessing."
He continued, "I wanted to keep giving my speech. But I was shot." Regarding why he raised his hand at the time, Trump explained, "It was to let people know that I was okay (OK), and to show that America keeps moving forward, that we are progressing, and that we are strong."
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