Marking the first anniversary of a failed assassination attempt, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he firmly believes that God saved his life “for a righteous purpose”—to restore the United States and defend it against its adversaries.

The incident occurred on July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, injuring Trump before being shot dead by Secret Service snipers. The shocking attack took place just minutes after Trump had begun speaking. The former president sustained an injury to his ear but survived. It was the first of two such incidents in 2024 targeting the then-presidential candidate.

In a statement reflecting on that day, Trump said:

“It remains my firm conviction that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose—to restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin.”

Trump commemorated the anniversary while attending the FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain in a surprising upset. Speaking after flying back to Washington, he remarked:

“It was an upset today, I guess… But it was a great match.”

In his tribute, the president also praised the doctors, first responders, and rally attendees who helped maintain calm and guide others to safety during the chaos:

“These men and women arrived at the rally grounds as ordinary Americans, but left as heroes.”

What Happened on July 13, 2024?

Trump was delivering a campaign speech in Butler, Pennsylvania, when gunfire erupted just six minutes into his address. As the crowd panicked, Trump was seen bleeding from the ear and crouching for cover. Security personnel quickly responded, and the shooter—identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks—was neutralized by Secret Service snipers stationed nearby.

Later that year, on September 15, Trump survived a second assassination attempt at his Florida golf course, where the suspect was apprehended before any shots were fired.

Now, one year later, Trump says the memory of the attack serves as a solemn reminder of the stakes at hand—and the divine protection he believes guided him through.