One Year After Butler Rally Shooting 2024; Trump Says He Was "Saved By God To Make America Great Again"

Trump on one year of Butler Rally Attack

On July 13, 2024, a rally for President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, turned into a moment of chaos and fear as gunfire broke out. For many, including myself, it was a terrifying and unforgettable experience. As people ducked for cover, the question on everyone’s mind was whether Trump was safe—and if this attack would end his chances of returning to the White House.

The answer, surprisingly, was no. In fact, it became one of the most defining events of his campaign.

Just 48 hours after the assassination attempt, Trump named JD Vance as his running mate. Three days after the shooting, Trump appeared on stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with a bandage over his right ear, which had been grazed by a bullet. That same week, President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race following backlash over his June debate performance. Suddenly, the entire race shifted.

A White House official who had worked on Trump’s campaign said the incident made the campaign far more personal for Trump and his inner circle. They doubled down on public appearances and ramped up his schedule. “If people were going to try to do this, we were going to go even harder,” the official explained. “It became bigger than the election.”

As the shots rang out in Butler, Trump was seen dropping behind the podium. Secret Service agents surrounded him instantly. When the gunfire stopped, Trump stood up with blood on his face and raised his fist, yelling, “Fight, fight, fight!” That moment became symbolic. Within days, the image of Trump’s raised fist, blood-streaked cheek, and determined expression was printed on t-shirts, mugs, signs, and banners. The word “Fight!” became a rallying cry for his supporters and a centerpiece of his campaign.

Trump’s team later said he wanted to leave his supporters with an image of strength. He didn’t want to appear weak after the attempt on his life. Many supporters agreed that this show of resilience only made them more loyal.

In the days following the shooting, Trump told allies he believed God had intervened to save him. He credited a border graphic he was viewing at the time of the attack for making him turn his head—just enough to avoid a direct hit. “That chart probably saved my life,” he told supporters at a later rally, calling it a permanent symbol of protection.

Trump continued to talk about the event in speeches and interviews, sometimes even with humor. At a July 2025 rally, a loud sound in the distance caused brief concern. Trump reassured the crowd: “Don’t worry, it’s only fireworks—I hope!”

Months later, Trump returned to Butler to deliver the speech he never got to finish. Supporters returned too, saying they weren’t afraid. One woman summed it up simply: “If he could come back, I could come back to support him.”

For many, Butler marked not just survival—but a renewed mission.