In a startling revelation, former President Donald Trump shared insights into his wife Melania's reaction during an assassination attempt against him.

On July 13, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, and the incident, which was broadcast live, was witnessed by Melania Trump from afar, shaking the former first lady to her core, as the Daily Mail reports.

The rally was already underway when Crooks, equipped with suspicious items, was first spotted by attendees but not adequately intercepted by the Secret Service.

Hours later, his deadly intentions unfolded as he opened fire, leading to swift protective actions from the Secret Service.

Secret Service's Quick Response During Crisis

Secret Service agents swiftly covered Trump, shielding him from the gunfire. "I just want to say one thing about the Secret Service... they were very brave. They were coming. Bullets were flying over me. I went down and they were -- they were on top of me, I had a lot of very big, strong people on top of me," Trump recounted the chaos and the bravery of his protective detail.

Melania Trump, watching the events unfold on television, was said to have been deeply distressed by the scene. "She was watching," Trump said. "It was all over the place. It was on television."

The aftermath of the attack prompted an immediate scrutiny of the Secret Service, culminating in the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle. She faced heavy criticism over apparent security lapses that allowed Crooks to launch his attack unimpeded.

Communication Failures and Security Lapses Exposed

Cheatle admitted to these lapses during her recent congressional testimony, highlighting that there had been prior warnings about Crooks’ presence at the rally. Despite being identified as suspicious, the coordination between Secret Service personnel and local law enforcement was inadequate.

Trump criticized the security measures, noting, "Should've been somebody on the roof, should've been communication with the local police and we're seeing this guy, who was a very disturbed person... how about the Trump fans who were screaming about him?" He also pointed out that the response to neutralize Crooks should have been quicker.

During the attack, Crooks also tragically killed Corey Comperatore, a retired volunteer fire chief, who was at the scene. This act of violence underscored the severity and preparation involved in the attempted assassination.

Melania Trump's Emotional Struggle with the Event

Mrs. Trump's reported inability to discuss the day without becoming distressed was highlighted by Trump. "She can't even really talk about it. That's okay, that means she likes me -- she loves me. She could talk about it freely, I'm not so sure which is better. She either likes or loves me, that's nice," he elaborated on her emotional response.

This personal revelation by Trump not only showcased the emotional impact of the event on his family but also painted a rare picture of vulnerability and concern within the Trump household.

In response to the attack, Trump announced his intention to provide a victim statement to the FBI, aiming to address the security failings and their implications directly.

Looking Ahead: Security Reforms and Presidential Safety

The incident has ignited discussions on potential reforms within the Secret Service to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The focus is on improving communication channels and response strategies during high-profile events.

As investigations continue, the details of Crooks’ preparation, including his research on historical assassination distances and his possession of explosives and a drone, are being scrutinized to better understand and mitigate such threats.

The political and personal ramifications of this assassination attempt are extensive, impacting not only the individuals directly involved but also the protocols governing the protection of current and former national leaders.

Conclusion: Reflecting on a Near-Tragic Event

In conclusion, the assassination attempt on Donald Trump has exposed significant gaps in security protocols, deeply affected his family, particularly Melania Trump, and led to major changes within the Secret Service.

This event serves as a critical reminder of the challenges and responsibilities inherent in protecting high-profile figures in an increasingly complex security landscape.