BUTLER/WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump says “it was God alone” who protected him from assassination during a campaign rally in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, a sentiment shared by faith leaders and politicians.
“It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness,” the former president added.
Faith leaders agreed with Trump that God had intervened. Evangelist Franklin Graham, CEO of the aid group Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said, “It is obvious that God’s hand of protection was on him.”
He added: “I join with millions of Americans and people around the world who are thanking God that former President Donald Trump is safe.”
However, he also stressed, “I believe all of this reminds us of the importance of prayer today and in the days ahead.”
After shots rang out and the Secret Service covered Trump on the floor of the stage, the former president, once he was standing again, gave the crowd a fist before he was ushered offstage.
A photo of that sign near an American flag was expected to become the symbol of a moment that generations will remember.
MEDICAL FACILITY
He was taken to a medical facility and declared “safe” afterward. “Donald Trump has fought for America with all he has — his time, his energy, his finances — and now, as one of his sons pointed out, he has bled for America. Even with blood running down his face, he left the rally urging the crowd to continue fighting for America,” Graham said.
“As Christians, we know that the most powerful way we can fight is on our knees in prayer. God is the only hope for our nation and for us as individuals.”
Trump also expressed love for the families of the other shooting victims, including a firefighter who died and two others who were injured.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win,” he wrote.
Trump spoke while still recovering from an ear injury after he was shot by a gunman named as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“The attempted assassination of President Trump is evidence of the reality of evil in the world,” said Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.
“We thank God for protecting the life of this courageous leader who is a warrior for truth and the friend of Christians everywhere.”
URGING PRAYERS
Patti Garibay, founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, a “Christ-centered leadership and character development program for girls” in Cincinnati, Ohio, urged believers to “unite in prayer and commit to respectful and civil discourse. Our prayers are with all of those affected by this horrible incident.”
Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors in Lynchburg, Virginia, told Fox News Digital, “Our thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald J. Trump, his family, and all of the people who were injured at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally.”
“Now more than ever, our country needs to come together to pray, condemn these acts of violence, and be united around what has made this country great. We are crying out to God for his presence, power, and protection for our country.”
He added, quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise echoed those words. “[Saturday] there were miracles, and I think the hand of God was there too,” he said, noting that he was shot and wounded during a congressional baseball team event in 2017. “You can just see one centimeter over, and we’re having a very different conversation,” he wrote.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday identified the slain victim as 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, who “dove on” his wife and daughters as the gunman opened fire at the rally.
