July 13, 2025 marked the one-year anniversary after an armed gunman shot then-candidate Donald Trump in the ear during a campaign rally in Bulter, Pennsylvania. Reflecting on the incident, President Trump credited God for saving his life. “One year ago today, at 6:11 pm—eight minutes after taking the stage on the grounds of Butler Farms to address thousands of Americans gathered at a campaign rally—rifle fire broke out, and an assassin’s bullet came within a quarter inch of ending my life and silencing our movement to restore American greatness,” the president said in a statement. “Yet, by the hand of providence and the grace of Almighty God, my life was spared.  As we commemorate one year since the harrowing events of July 13, 2024, we reaffirm that the American spirit has and will always triumph over forces of evil and destruction,” he added.

The president acknowledged first responders and rally goers who helped the wounded and remained calm. He gave a special notice to Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was shot by a stray bullet meant for Trump. “The world will never forget the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, veteran, and devoted husband and father,” Trump wrote. “When gunfire erupted, Corey did not hesitate to protect his wife and two daughters.  He died a hero, and we are eternally grateful for his inspiring love, valor, and faithfulness.” Over 1,000 motorcyclists participated in a memorial ride to honor Comperatore. Comperatore’s widow and two daughters were in attendance.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the president admitted he likes to keep the events of last year out of his mind. “I don’t like to think about it much. I have a job to do, so I don’t like to think about it much,” he said. “It’s a little bit of a dangerous profession being president, but I really don’t like to think about it. Better off not thinking about it.” Friends and allies of the president have shared they believe the event has made Trump a changed man. “I think it’s always in the back of his mind. He’s still a rough and tumble guy, you know. He hasn’t become a Zen Buddhist. But I think he is, I’ll say this, more appreciative. He’s more attentive to his friends,” said longtime ally, Lindsay Graham. “It’s just a miracle he’s not dead. He definitely was a man who believed he had a second lease on life.”