Former President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, where a bullet grazed his ear before Secret Service agents swiftly intervened.

The FBI is now investigating the security failures that allowed the incident to occur, identifying the would-be assassin and uncovering additional threats, and the former president is offering insight into how his family, including son Barron, responded to the incident, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Trump's Near-Death Experience at Pennsylvania Rally

During the July rally in Butler, Trump was in the midst of delivering a speech when shots rang out, sending the crowd into a frenzy. One of the bullets barely missed the former president, skimming his ear before Secret Service agents shielded him from further harm.

The incident, which Trump later described as "a miracle," shocked many, including his family members who were not at the scene. Melania Trump, who was watching the rally live on television, was reportedly in disbelief as the events unfolded.

Barron Trump, the couple's son, was in the middle of a tennis lesson when he received the news about his father’s close call. According to Trump, Barron, who is an avid tennis player, was deeply shaken when he heard what had happened.

Barron's Reaction to the Shocking News

In a recent interview with Mark Levin, Trump recounted Barron's reaction upon learning of the shooting. "He’s a good tennis player, he’s outside playing tennis, and somebody ran up, ‘Barron, Barron, your father’s been shot,’” Trump shared. The teenager immediately ran to his mother, trying to understand what had transpired.

"You know, he loves his father. He’s a good kid, good student, good athlete, actually. And he ran, ‘Mom, what’s going on, what’s going on?’ She couldn’t believe it. She was actually watching it live, can you imagine?” Trump added, reflecting on the emotional impact the incident had on his family.

Despite the terrifying experience, Trump managed to emerge unscathed, attributing his survival to divine intervention. He mentioned that his near-death encounter led some people to start believing in God, given how close the bullet came to taking his life.

FBI Investigation Reveals New Details

Following the incident, a comprehensive investigation was launched to scrutinize the security measures in place during the rally. The FBI quickly identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, who had meticulously planned the assassination attempt over several months.

Investigators discovered that Crooks had been conducting online searches related to Trump’s campaign events well before the rally in Butler. His premeditated actions included accessing the rooftop of a nearby building using an air conditioning unit, from where he fired the shot at Trump.

The FBI released crime scene photos that provided a closer look at Crooks’s equipment, including his gun, book bag, and two improvised explosive devices found in his vehicle. These images have added to the gravity of the situation, highlighting the potential for even greater harm had the plot not been foiled.

Security Lapses and Secret Service Response

In the aftermath of the shooting, the Secret Service faced scrutiny for the apparent lapses in security that allowed the shooter to come so close to the former president. Initially, the agency announced that some agents had been placed on leave, but it later clarified that an unspecified number had been reassigned to desk duty.

Among those affected were five individuals: one from Trump’s personal protective detail and four others from the Pittsburgh field office, including the special agent in charge.

The reassignment of these agents reflects the seriousness with which the Secret Service is treating the incident, as they work to prevent any similar occurrences in the future.

Donald Trump Jr., upon hearing of the attack, expressed his shock at his father's survival. He reportedly told his father that he "could not believe [he] was not dead," underscoring the narrow escape that Trump experienced.

Conclusion: A Day That Shook the Trump Family

The assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, has left an indelible mark on the Trump family. As the investigation continues, more details are emerging about the security failures that nearly cost the former president his life.

From Barron's stunned reaction to the immediate response by law enforcement, the incident has been a reminder of the ongoing threats faced by public figures.

While Trump attributes his survival to divine intervention, the FBI’s findings reveal a meticulously planned attack that could have had far graver consequences. The reassignment of Secret Service agents serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting those in the public eye.