When Teddy Roosevelt was shot on October 14, 1912, Save Jerseyans, the presidential candidate proceeded to give an 84-minute speech with a bullet lodged in his chest.
“I’m fit as a bull moose,” Roosevelt told the media after the speech concluded.
Over a century later, Donald Trump bore some resemblance to his populist Republican predecessor on Saturday evening after a would-be assassin’s bullet severely damaged his year during a Pennsylvania campaign stop. Trump could be heard telling the swarming Secret Service agents “wait!” as he raised a fist to the bewildered crowd and shouted “fight!” to a growing chorus of cheers…
Watch:
I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that the shooter and a rally attendee were killed while two others were battling critical injuries.
“During Former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13 at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” the Secret Service explained in a post-incident statement. “U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe. One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI.”
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured,” Trump added in his own released statement. “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
