Ivanka Trump believes her late mother was “watching over Dad” during an assassination attempt on his life, as she marked the second anniversary of Ivana’s death with a post on social media.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired the shot that injured the ear of former US president Donald Trump, the FBI has confirmed.
Crooks was shot dead by agents after he opened fire from the roof of a building about 140 metres from the stage where Trump was speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday afternoon local time.
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An AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle was recovered near Crooks’ body.
The Trump campaign said he was “doing well” and appeared to have suffered no major injury besides a wound on his upper right ear.
His daughter Ivanka shared on social media that her mother, who Donald Trump was married to from 1977 to 1990, was watching over him during the assassination attempt.
Ivana died on July 14, 2022 – aged 73 – after the former businesswoman and model fell down stairs at her home.
“Two years ago today, my mom passed away. I believe she was watching over Dad last night during the attempt on his life,” Ivanka posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“I miss her every day and pray for the safety of the family and friends she left behind.”
Ivanka earlier thanked those who had offered “love and prayers” for Trump and other victims of “today’s senseless violence”.
“I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always,” she said.
After the shooting, a defiant Trump said he will remain “resilient” and is ‘looking forward’ to appearing at the Republican national convention.
“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” he wrote on the Truth Social platform.
“We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness.
“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.
“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.
“I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin. DJT.”
– With AAP
