Donald Trump live updates: FBI to treat shooting as potential terrorism act

Donald Trump has recalled the “surreal” moment he was shot and the decision that saved his life, as he arrived in Milwaukee ahead of the Republican National Convention. See updates. 

A defiant Donald Trump says he’s “supposed to be dead” as he recalled the harrowing moment a would-be assassin shot him at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

The former president shared the “very surreal experience” that nearly ended his life during an interview aboard his private plane en route to Milwaukee for the GOP National Convention.

“The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle,” said Trump, who was sporting a loose, large white bandage that covered his right ear. His staff insisted that no photos be taken.

“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump told The New York Post. “I’m supposed to be dead.”

He said a split second decision to turn his head slightly to the right to read a chart on illegal immigrants saved his life. 

At that instant, what would have been a kill shot instead tore off a small piece of his ear and splattered blood on his forehead and cheek, Trump told The New York Post. 

The former US president, who has arrived in Milwaukee ahead of the Republican National Convention, said the Secret Service agents came flying in like they were “linebackers” as soon as the shooting started.

He explained in the interview why he asked to get his shoes in the aftermath, saying, "The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight.”

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