During a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on March 15, 2024, former President Donald Trump made light of a past incident involving Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), suggesting that the senator’s slow walking pace was the reason he survived an assassination attempt at a previous event. Trump’s comments came as he revisited the harrowing events of a rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania, where gunfire erupted.
McCormick, who was present at the rally in Butler in March 2022, described himself as a close witness to the chaos. He recounted the moments when shots rang out, noting that he was seated near the stage during the incident. Trump himself was grazed by a bullet during the attack but managed to remain unharmed.
As he addressed the crowd, Trump reflected on McCormick’s experience, recalling how he had invited the senator to join him on stage. “I called David. I said, ‘David! Come on up! He was working like hell,” Trump stated, emphasizing the intensity of the moment. He continued, “Right at the beginning of the speech, I said, ‘David, come on up!’ But then I look up and say, ‘You know what, David? Just stay there. I’ll get you later.’”
The former president lightheartedly added, “You’re so lucky, David. You’re so lucky. You don’t know. I could’ve had a little differently shaped ear if it weren’t for you.” His remarks drew laughter from the audience, demonstrating Trump’s ability to blend humor with serious topics.
Trump’s comments regarding McCormick’s gait were particularly striking. “He was walking a little bit slowly. I didn’t want to take the time,” Trump remarked, which elicited further laughter from the crowd. His use of humor in referencing a potentially tragic event highlighted his characteristic style of addressing serious matters with a blend of levity.
The rally marked Trump’s first appearance in months, indicating a return to the campaign trail as he looks to galvanize his supporters ahead of upcoming elections. Trump’s remarks have sparked discussion about the implications of political events that intertwine personal safety and public engagement.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Trump’s ability to connect with his audience remains a focal point of his rallies. The comments on McCormick serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of political events and the personal stories that often accompany them.
