Christian leaders react to Trump surviving assassination attempt: 'Thank God the former president is alive'

By Melissa Barnhart, Managing Editor Sunday, July 14, 2024

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie, the pastor and founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii, also shared an image of blood streaming down former President Donald Trump's right cheek following an assassination attempt in which a bullet pierced his right ear.

"This is a photo of @realDonaldTrump right after he was shot today. This was an assassination attempt on the 45th president of the United States," Laurie wrote.

"Tragically, at least one person attending this rally was shot and killed, and two others were critically injured. The shooter was also killed.

"It’s time for us as a nation to pray, regardless of our political affiliation. God spared Donald Trump today."

Laurie also shared Trump's statement posted on Truth Social at 8:42 p.m. Eastern time Saturday night, hours before he was released from a hospital and subsequently traveled to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. He was seen exiting his plane at 12:37 a.m. ET in a video posted on X by his campaign.

“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country," Trump wrote.

"Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”