Head moment or luck? Slow-motion video of Donald Trump dodging bullet at rally goes viral

At a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a bullet grazed his right ear. The dramatic moment, captured in slow-motion videos, has gone viral on social media. Many users have commented that Trump's quick head movement, a tilt just before the bullet hit, saved his life.

This slow-motion video shows Donald Trump just barely tilting his head mere milliseconds before the shot was fired. Footage shows Trump reacting quickly while speaking about President Biden. The bullet clipped the upper part of Trump's right ear. Trump later said, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” 

REPORT: Donald Trump says a last millisecond head tilt likely saved his life as slowed-down footage shows the bullet grazing his ear.

If Trump hadn't moved his head, the bullet would likely have hit the rear of his head, ending his life.

Trump says he turned his head to look at… pic.twitter.com/uXIEjHIcRA

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 14, 2024

Photos and videos from different angles show the moment in detail. One image, taken by former White House Press Corps member Doug Mills, shows the bullet flying just above Trump's shoulder.

The incident occurred seven minutes into the rally, with thousands of supporters present. There were chaotic scenes as Secret Service agents rushed to protect Trump. He was quickly taken off stage with visible blood on his face. 

Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks positioned himself on a building near the rally and fired multiple shots toward Trump. He was shot and killed by Secret Service snipers. An AR-15 rifle was found at the scene.